Entertainment center. - Review - video recording review

Girls' Life, Dec, 2000 by Sarah Cordi

Bust boredom by taking in a good movie, video or DVD. Hot popcorn, anyone?

THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE

Disney's newest animated feature is a classic story about a spoiled-rotten emperor-turned-...llama? Huh? It seems that before being banished to the jungle, Emperor Kuzco's life was full of luxury. It's his jealous advisor Yzma who turns Kuzco into a bumbling four-legged animal--pointy ears and all. Life as a llama stinks! The royal llama hooks up with an unlikely ally, a peasant named Pacha. Together, they set out to regain the throne. Want to know how to pronounce these 'toons names? You're gonna have to see the movie.

VIDEOS

OUR LIPS ARE SEALED

Nope, this isn't that long-awaited Go-Go's reunion video you were hoping for. It's Mary-Kate and Ashley! Their latest hair-fluffing adventure has them entering the Witness Protection Program. After eyewitnessing a crime, the FBI gives the twins fake identities and relocates them. It isn't long before the dual motormouths manage to blow their own cover from one town to the next. There's only one place left to go--Down Under. As in Australia, the land of 'roos, a depleting O-zone and, of course, surfer studs! Maybe being marooned Aussie-style isn't so bad, mates.

OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER

How 'bout buying a Christmas special? Olive, based on the best-selling children's book, has debuted on video just in time to warm your heart for the holidays. How can you go wrong with a 'toon produced by Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons? Plus, it features cool music from REM's Michael Stipe, and Drew Barrymore is the voice of Olive, a little dog who believes she's a reindeer runner-up. When Blitzen gets sick, Olive thinks she should prance in his place. Fearful that the fallen reindeer may cause Santa to cancel Christmas, Olive tries out for the sleigh team. This one makes a cool gift for your little sis. Get it (and Olive-related loot) at Nordstrom.

DVDs

BIG AND HAIRY

Think I Was a Teenage Werewolf crosses Harry and the Hendersons. Average 12-year-old kid Picasso Dewlap feels stranded on Cedar Island, where his family just moved. Give him credit, though, for joining the basketball team in an effort to meet new buds. But Picasso really scores when he befriends a basketball-jamming Bigfoot named Ed Tibbets. Ed's 12, too, so he joins the team. Ed never misses a three-pointer, and he zips down the court faster than anyone. He might just be the team's ticket to the top--and Picasso's ticket to friendship.

MISS CONGENIALITY

"Elbow, elbow, wrist, Wrist" is second nature for a beauty queen, but to Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) it's tougher than being on an all-night stakeout. An FBI agent, Gracie goes undercover as a contestant when the Miss United States pageant receives a bomb threat. Problem is, Gracie's like one of the guys. She doesn't have a feminine, refined bone in her body. Hairspray and lipstick? Ick! A sophisticated sway and toothy smile are the last skills Gracie wants to practice. Hey, you try chasing terrorists in spiked heels.