The Jungle Book

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 25, 1994

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2001

Plot 411: After a tiger attacks a camp, a boy is lost and raised by wolves.

Review: Jason Scott Lee stars as Mowgli, an Indian boy accompanying his father into the field where his father serves as a guide for the British military. When a tiger attacks the camp, Mowgli is separated from the men and is never seen again. Mowgli grows up among the animals of the jungle, which include a bear named Baloo, a jaguar named Bagheera and his faithful wolf named Grey Brother. As an adult, he encounters Kitty (Lena Headey), the daughter of the military colonel Mowgli's father was assisting. She doesn't recognize him at all and wishes to civilize him. He returns with her to the city where he learns to speak and read. However, Mowgli's two worlds collide and he must choose where he belongs. The first thing I noticed about this movie is how skinny Cary Elwes was. However, I guess I shouldn't have been since this movie was done only a year after Robin Hood: Men In Tights. Overall, this was a fine adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic book. I think it could become a Disney favorite in many households because there's a good deal of humor, animals and action involved. There are, of course, villians in the movie but they are killed off screen most of the time. Some of the special effects in this movie don't hold up at all (like the scene where Mowgli jumps off a cliff and into the pool at the bottom of a waterfall), but I still found it charming in its own way. Also in this movie are Cary Elwes, Sam Neill and John Cleese.

Watch It: For a live-action version of a classic tale.

Skip It: Because I actually prefer the animated version better.

Only The Brave

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: February 17, 2006

DVD Release Date: November 10, 2009

Plot 411: During WWII, many Japanese Americans volunteered to fight for their country despite facing outright racism in many parts of the country. This is their story.

Review: This was a great portrayal of the lives of the men in the 100th/442nd regimental combat team in both civilian and military life. Starring Lane Nishikawa, Jason Scott Lee, Mark Dacascos, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita and Pat Morita, this film was set in France as they soldiers tried to save a stranded Texas unit that was surrounded by Germans. Through flashbacks, the audience gets a glimpse of what life was like for many of the soldiers. The use of Pidgin is highly entertaining and carried out pretty authentically for the most part. However, on occasion, it sounds forced. I think this has more to do with the actors' abilities than their grasp of the slangs. Movies like this are a necessity in a world that sometimes fails to recognize or remember its past. Lessons can be learned through past actions if only we pause to acknowledge them. It's quite sad that this film didn't get a wider release. It seems to have made the film festival rounds but was not picked up for a wide release.

Watch It: If you have relatives who perhaps were part of this elite group of men for a better understanding of what they may have gone through and why they may not talk about it.

Skip It: If you're already a history buff and perhaps have already done your research on this group of men. I'm not sure how accurate any of this is and it might set off warning lights in your mind if you're proficient in all the goings on.

Born In East L.A.

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 21, 1987

DVD Release Date: April 7, 1998

Plot 411: A Mexican American gets mistaken as an illegal immigrant, is deported to Mexico and must find his way home.

Review: Cheech Marin is Rudy, a guy who was born in east L.A. but who is mistaken as an illegal immigrant. When he is deported to Tijuana, he does everything he can to get back across the border. No one believes he's American so he's often locked up in jail or mistaken as a Mexican. Also in ths film is Daniel Stern, who plays Jimmy. Jimmy is an American hustler who is running a number of businesses - legal and illegal - in Mexico and becomes Rudy's friend/manager/boss. Stern is perfect as the arrogant American and is oftentimes ignorant and racist. His voice reminded me of his character in Rookie Of The Year, but other than that this is a completely different side of him. This was a funny look at immigration and prejudice. It touched upon them with humor and not much seriousness but was still able to play on the general themes. It also highlighted the idea that Mexican Americans have lost touched with their ancestry as Rudy is unable to speak much Spanish and is unfamiliar with many Spanish foods. I enjoyed this movie for what it was - a trip across the border.

Watch It: For the special surprise of Jason Scott Lee in a minor role.

Skip It: If you're looking for some Cheech and Chong action. This ain't it.