'A Team' latest movie based on TV show

“In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team.”

So began “The A Team,” which hit the airwaves in 1983 and made a star out of Mr. T.

Flash forward 27 years. Hollywood has once again dipped for inspiration into the well of old TV shows and decided the time is ripe for a new “A Team.”

Except for updating the war from Vietnam to Desert Storm, little has changed in the new “A Team.” Four Army buddies must escape to clear their names after being framed for a crime they didn’t commit.

Liam Neeson (pictured with rest of cast)  has taken George Peppard’s role as team leader, Bradley Cooper is the eye candy, Quinton Jackson replaces Mr. T as the bruising BA and Sharlto Copley is the crazy guy.

As TV shows go, “The A Team” was entertaining. It seemed as if there was a car chase and crash in every episode, or was that “The Dukes of Hazzard?” Hardly anyone ever died in “The A Team,” and the good guys always defeated the bad guys and undid some wrong.

Action shows were plentiful in the 1980s. Besides “The A Team” and “Dukes” you had “The Fall Guy,” “B.J. and the Bear,” “Knight Rider,” “MacGyver,” “Sheriff Lobo” and “Simon & Simon” to name only a few. All of them were mindless. Most of them were fun to watch.

There’s a lot of positive buzz about “The A Team,” so don’t be surprised if it posts strong opening numbers. It may even have legs as it competes with some lackluster competition.

Hollywood has mined TV Land for ideas for years.

Some movies based on TV shows have been pretty good. “The Fugitive” with Harrison Ford was exciting. “The Flintstones” with John Goodman was funny. “Maverick” with Mel Gibson was a true homage to the show and all TV westerns.

Others based on TV shows have fallen flat, including the recent “MacGruber.” Some of the other bombs are “My Favorite Martian,” “The Mod Squad,” “The Avengers” and “McHale’s Navy.”

If you’re in the mood for some good movies based on TV shows, try these six. All are available on video and DVD.

“Charlie’s Angels” (2000) – Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore star as the three women plucked from crummy police jobs and turned into kick-ass private detectives by the unseen Charlie Townsend in this movie based on the show that made a star out of Farrah Fawcett. Other stars include Bill Murray, Sam Rockwell and Kelly Lynch. The late John Forsythe provided the voice of Charlie, just as he did in the show. There was a pretty good sequel.

“Mission Impossible” (1996) – Tom Cruise stars as a U.S. agent who is accused of being a turncoat and must uncover the real bad guy in this movies based on the show that made Peter Graves a star. Other stars include Jon Voight, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames and Vanessa Redgrave. There were two pretty good sequels and a fourth sequel is planned.

“Get Smart” (2008) – Steve Carrell stars as the inept but effective spy in this movie based on the show that made “Would you believe …” a household phrase. Other stars include Anne Hathaway as the vivacious Agent 99, Dwayne Johnson, Bill Murray, Terrence Stamp and Alan Arkin. A sequel is planned for 2012.

“The Addams Family” (1991) – Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston star as Morticia and Gomez Addams, the heads of a kooky family that has a disembodied hand as a servant and a Frankenstein-like butler in this show based on the 1960s comedy that was based on a comic strip that mostly appeared in The New Yorker magazine. Other stars include Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd. There was a so-so sequel.

“The Brady Bunch Movie” (1995) – Shelley Long and Gary Cole star as the father and mother of a combined brood of three boys and three girls in this film that basically takes the 1970s version of the family and drops them into 1990s Los Angeles. Other stars include Christine Taylor as Marcia and Florence Henderson, the star of the original show, as Grandma Brady. There was a pretty good sequel.

“Serenity” (2005) – Fans of Joss Whedon’s ill-fated series “Firefly” love this movie that attempts to wrap up the series after it was cancelled by Fox. Stars include Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite and Summer Glau.

The cast of "Serenity." 

New 'Nightmare' begs the question 'Why?'

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: A group of suburban teenagers share one common bond: They are all being stalked by Freddy Krueger, a serial killer who hunts them in their dreams. As long as they stay awake, they can protect one another, but when they sleep, there is no escape.

Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Kyle Gallner, Thomas Dekker, Katie Cassidy and Kellan Lutz.

Written by: Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer. Directed by: Samuel Bayer

Thoughts: So, when I heard they were remaking one of my favorite horror movies ever, “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” I was a little iffy, but then I heard it was being produced by Michael Bay (“Transformers”) and I got excited. I had very high hopes for this film and I was let down. Hard. It’s not that the movie itself was bad, because it wasn’t, it’s just, we’ve already seen this movie, when it was made in 1984. And the original was so much better. Also, the acting in this movie was just not very good, especially Rooney Mara who had absolutely no emotion at all. Kyle Gallner was the only actor pulling his weight in this movie, so, two thumbs up to him. Replacing Robert Englund with Jackie Earle Haley was something I had trouble dealing with, but in the end, that’s the least of this movie’s problems. Haley is a very creepy man and brought out a different side in Freddy, but his lines were so cheesy and his voice sounded too much like Christian Bale’s “Batman.” It was very distracting. In its defense, however, the new “Nightmare” had me jumping every once in a while but there was no horror. When I first saw the original, I could barely sleep that night and a few nights after. Most of the scary parts in the remake had me laughing, and I slept just fine that very same night. I’m not going to say that they ruined this movie for me because they didn’t. My advice to anyone who still feels the need to go see this movie is this: Go in and pretend that the original movie was never made. This movie is just like every other teen horror movie that comes out these days, so you’ll know what to expect. But to anyone who wants to watch a good Freddy Krueger movie, I’d say keep your money and go watch the original.

Rated R for strong bloody horror violence, disturbing images, terror and language.

'Iron Man 2' as good as original

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. In the sequel to 2008’s “Iron Man,” Stark is pitted against his Russian nemesis, Whiplash, and corporate rival Justin Hammer.

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg and Jon Favreau.

Written by: Justin Theroux and Stan Lee. Directed by: Jon Favreau

Thoughts: Do you remember the first “Iron Man” and how awesome it was? I know I do. And I remember hearing about the second one and praying that it would be just as awesome. Now, “Iron Man 2” is out and it is incredible. I didn’t think anything could top the first one but they’ve certainly done it. This movie was epic. I was never bored and I never wanted it to end. Robert Downey Jr. takes the cake with his role as Tony Stark and blows everyone else out of the water. With that, I will say that this cast was well-chosen and everyone did a great job, especially Sam Rockwell who made you laugh while you were hating him. I will admit that at certain points, the plot was a little messy and some things seemed rushed (mainly a plot involving Tony, his father and a new element) and some of the characters were a little underdeveloped, mainly just Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, but, oh well. Everyone knows they are there to set up for their roles in the next one. (Scarlett as the Black Widow, anyone?) The action scenes in this movie are very well-done and the cinematography is more noticeably beautiful in this one. I loved this movie so much that I can’t believe more people didn’t like it. I want everyone to go see this movie and enjoy it for what it is: a truly entertaining and top-notch blockbuster film.

PS: Make sure you look out for Captain America’s shield and stay for the credits!

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.

Lest we forget: Movies help us remember the reason for Memorial Day

There are some simple truths about war. First, people are going to die. Second, some of those people will die senselessly. Third, some of those victims will be civilians caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fourth, the truth will be the first casualty.

Americans have been fighting wars almost from the moment we started colonizing the New World. At one time or another, Americans have fought wars with the Indians, French, British, Mexicans, Spanish, Germans, Russians, Italians, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese and Iraqis.

Then there are the campaigns that were too small to count as a real war. Americans died in battles in places such as Tripoli, Lebanon, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Argentina, Nicaragua, Grenada and  Somalia.

Along the way, we also managed to wage a bloody war between ourselves.

American soldiers, sailors and Marines have shed blood on every continent except Antarctica. Memorial Day was set aside to honor those men and women who died for their country.

Movies about America's fighting men and women have been around since movies began. Sometimes the movie was about a hero such as reluctant World War I soldier Alvin York in "Sgt. York" or highly decorated World War II hero Audie Murphy in "To Hell and Back."

Some war movies are about important battles such as the Normandy invasion in "The Longest Day."

Famous generals have been featured in movies such as "Patton" and "MacArthur."

Prisoners of war have been the stars of movies such as "Stalag 17."

Ordinary foot soldiers were featured in "The Big Red One," Marines were the focus in "Halls of Montezuma" and sailors were the subject "In Harm's Way."

Joint American and Allied operations were featured in movies such as "The Guns of Navarone" and "Bridge on the River Kwai."

Lest we forget their sacrifice, here are six movies available on video and DVD that take a look at Americans under fire.

"Saving Private Ryan" (1998) -- A squad of D-Day survivors is sent to rescue a paratrooper whose three brothers were all killed in action within a few days of each other in this homage to the men who stormed the beaches on June 6, 1944. Stars include Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper and Vin Diesel.

"Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949) -- John Wayne stars as John Stryker, a battle-hardened Marine who turns boys into Marines and leads them into battle in the South Pacific during World War II. Other stars include John Agar, Forrest Tucker and Richard Jaeckel.

"Pork Chop Hill" (1959) -- Gregory Peck is in command of a worn-down unit on a meaningless hill in the waning days of the Korean War. Then the Chinese attack and his small force must stand its ground against impossible odds.  Other stars include Harry Guardino, Rip Torn, George Peppard, Robert Blake and Woody Strode.

"Courage Under Fire" (1996) -- A Desert Storm hero who accidentally killed his best friend during a nighttime tank battle tries to unravel the truth about what happened one night after a medical chopper was shot down and the pilot (Meg Ryan) was killed. It seems she's been nominated for a Medal of Honor. Other stars include Matt Damon, Michael Moriarty and Lou Diamond Phillips.

"Platoon" (1986) -- The horrors of the Vietnam War shine through in this film based on Oliver Stone's own experiences during the war. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe star as rival sergeants fighting for the soul of the innocent and naive Charlie Sheen. Other stars include Kevin Dillon, Johnny Depp and John C. McGinley.

"Glory" (1989) -- Matthew Broderick stars as real-life Civil War officer Robert Gould Shaw, a Boston blueblood who leads the first black Union regiment during the Civil War. Shaw and his men must fight other Union officers and soldiers as well as the Confederates before being sent to their slaughter in the battle of Fort Wagner. Other stars include Cary Elwes, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.

'Date Night' is laugh out loud funny

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: When date night comes around, Phil and Claire Foster decide to do something different. While trying to get into a popular restaurant downtown, Phil takes the reservation of a couple who didn’t show up, which leads to a case of mistaken identity. Turns out, the reservation belonged to a couple of thieves and now Phil and Claire must survive a crazy life-threatening night filled with thugs, cops and a shirtless ex-military man.

Cast: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, Taraji P. Henson, Jimmi Simpson, Common, James Franco, Mila Kunis and Leighton Meester.

Written by: Josh Klausner. Directed by: Shawn Levy

Thoughts: Despite what you may have heard about it, "Date Night" is probably one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time. I was constantly laughing out loud. It’s a very straightforward movie, keeping things simple and to the point, and with enough ad-libbing from Carell and Fey to keep things moving at a great pace. Also, I’d just like to say that if you’re like me, then you’re probably a bit worried that you’ve seen all the funny parts in the previews. But believe me, those scenes are outshined by everything else in this movie. I honestly have nothing bad to say about it. The jokes were great, the cast was well picked, even the action scenes were entertaining. It’s been 10days since I’ve seen this movie, and I’m still quoting it. So all in all, I’d say, see it. Go out and have a laugh. This comedy is worth seeing.

Rated PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference.

                         Tina Fey and Steve Carell star in "Date Night."

Kick-Ass delivers knock out punch

By Abby Callaghan

Synopsis: Comic book geek Dave Lizewski has no coordination and no super powers but that doesn’t stop him from becoming a vigilante superhero, calling himself Kick-Ass. Before long, Kick-Ass becomes a sensation and others start to follow his lead. One by one, the world is introduced to Hit-Girl, Big Daddy, and Red Mist.

Cast: Aaron Johnson, Clark Duke, Evan Peters, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong.

Written by: Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn

Thoughts: I had high hopes for "Kick-Ass" and I was worried it’d let me down, but it did no such thing. The movie covers absolutely insane action sequences, smart superhero parodies, heart-pounding dramatic turns and a witty script making "Kick-Ass" a great movie. The cast is absolutely ideal, but it’s Chloe Moretz who steals the show here. Even the film itself resembles a comic book, with all of its outrageous colors. Every shot was beautiful and the soundtrack was perfect. There’s no time for you to be bored with this film, it’s constantly moving and it’s constantly entertaining, whether you’re laughing or you’re sitting on the edge of your seat. "Kick-Ass," I welcome you into the world of comic book movies. I’d say, I really hope you see this one, I know you won’t regret it.

Rated R for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use -- some involving children.

Derby Day still brings out fans of the Sport of Kings

Although not as popular as it once was, horse racing still draws a big crowd the first Saturday in May when Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby.

The Run for the Roses is American racing’s premier event. The race draws thousands to the track. The men wear suits. The women wear fancy dresses and derby bonnets. Everyone drinks mint juleps. Some people win a bundle, most walk away losers.

This year’s 136th running is no exception. The local OTB at Stoney Point Grill in Mokena is planning a big party complete with a tent for the bettors who don’t want to shell out $35 for a seat inside the restaurant. Charley Horse restaurants in Tinley Park, New Lenox and Munster, Ind., are offering free meals to ladies who wear derby bonnets into the eateries from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The race starts at 5:24 p.m. CST.

Big crowds are also expected at Balmoral in Crete and Hawthorne in Cicero. Both tracks will simulcast the race on big screen TVs.

Horse racing may not be the sport it once was, when thousands would pack the grandstands at famous tracks such as Santa Anita in California, Hialeah in Florida and Saratoga in New York. Local venues including Sportsman’s Park in Cicero and Washington Park in Homewood would also pack them in.

Hollywood has had an affinity for racing movies. Films were made about real-life champion horses such as “Phar Lap” about a champion horse from Australia and “Dreamer” about Breeder’s Cup winner Sonador. “Casey’s Shadow” is about a reel-life champion.

“Champions” is about British steeple chase jockey Bob Champion and his battle with cancer.

Tracks have been the setting in movies such as “Little Miss Marker” and “My Brother Talks to Horses.”

“Guys & Dolls” is a musical about New York gangsters dabbling in horseracing among other ventures.

Here are six movies available on video and DVD that look at the Sport of Kings, in one way or another.

“Let It Ride” (1989) – Richard Dreyfuss gets wind of a fixed race and wins a bundle. He then has in his words “a very good day” at the track. Along the way we get to see a variety of characters ranging from his wife (Teri Garr), unlucky best friend (David Johansen) and an oversexed mistress (Jennifer Tilly).

“Seabiscuit” (2003) – Tobey Maguire is the broken-down jockey, Chris Cooper is the discredited trainer and Jeff Bridges is the misguided owner who all believe in the special powers of an undersized, hurt horse named Seabiscuit who captivated Depression-era America.

“A Day at the Races” (1937) – Groucho, Chico and Harpo run amok at a racetrack while trying to win enough money to save a sanitarium run by a friend of theirs in this classic Marx Brothers comedy. Other stars include Maureen O’Sullivan and Margaret Dumont.

“Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair” (1952) – Pa (Percy Kilbride) buys a broken-down trotter hoping to win the race at the county fair so he can send one of his daughters to college in this entry in the “Ma and Pa Kettle” series of comedies. Other stars include Marjorie Main as Ma, Lori Nelson and James Best.

“The Derby Stallion” (2005) – An alcoholic former trainer (Bill Cobbs) sobers up long enough to help a 15-year-old boy (Zac Efron) pursue his dream of turning his horse into a champion. Also stars William R. Moses.

“The Great Dan Patch” (1949) – This is the biopic of legendary trotter Dan Patch and the man who might have loved him more than his wife and girlfriend. Stars include Dennis O’Keefe, Gail Russell, Henry Hull and Ruth Warrick.

Kevin Smith life almost as funny as his movies

Kevin Smith is a big man in Hollywood these days. Too big, according to Southwest Airlines, which tossed the rotund director/actor/writer off a recent flight from Oakland to Burbank because he was determined to be a safety risk because of his size.

Smith soon started a war of Tweets with Southwest. Smith, best known for his Silent Bob character in a series of movies based in his home state of New Jersey, said he had purchased two seats on a flight but boarded an earlier flight when a seat was available. That's when he was asked to deplane.

Southwest has defended its "customer of size" policy that requires extra big passengers to buy two seats. The airline said other airlines have similar policies for super-sized passengers.

Smith's tirade against Southwest comes just in time to build buzz about his latest directing effort "Cop Out," a cop buddy picture starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan. "Cop Out" is the first film Smith has directed that he did not write himself. It also marks his second collaboration with Willis, with whom Smith worked as an actor on "Live Free or Die Hard."

Smith's filmography as a director includes a couple of documentaries, the pilot episode of "Reaper," which was cancelled after last season, and three movies in production. He also has credits for producing, writing, editing, acting and consulting on projects.

Smith's films are said to be an acquired taste. They tend to be outrageous, oftentimes gross and mostly funny. Here are six of his films available on video and DVD that represent the Hollywood legacy of Kevin Smith.

"Catch and Release" (2006) -- Smith shows off his acting chops in this comedy about a woman (Jennifer Garner) who tries to come to grips with the sudden death of her fiance and the realization he was not the perfect man. Other stars include Timothy Olyphant, Sam Jaeger and Juliette Lewis.

"Dogma" (1999) -- Smith pokes fun at the Catholic Church in this comedy that revolves around a couple of cast out angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) who discover a way back into heaven thanks to a wacky bishop (George Carlin). Along the way Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) encounter a long-lost descendant of Christ, the 13th apostle Rufus, an angel who likes booze, and God, who likes to play skeeball in Atlantic City.  Other stars include Linda Fiorentino, Jason Lee and Alan Rickman.

"Chasing Amy" (1997) -- A comic book artist (Ben Affleck) finds the love of his life (Joey Lauren Adams) only to discover that she's a lesbian. That, of course, doesn't stop him from trying to change her mind. Other stars include Jason Lee.

"Mallrats" (1995) -- A couple of guys head to the mall after being dumped by their girlfriends in this comedy based in Minnesota. Stars include Shannon Doherty, Jeremy London, Claire Forlani, Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams and Stan Lee as himself.

"Clerks II" (2006) -- Smith burst onto the scene in 1994 with "Clerks." Now, it's 10 years later and he catches up with Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) who have moved on, barely and thanks mostly to a fire that burned down the quicky mart they were working at in the original. Other stars include Rosario Dawson and Jennifer Schwalbach (the real-life Mrs. Kevin Smith).

"Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (2001) -- Smith's Silent Bob and Jason Mewes' Jay find out that a movie based on their comic book alter egos is being made in Hollywood. Then they discover they aren't going to see a nickel. Rightfully upset, they decide to visit Hollywood and wreck the movie. Other stars include many Smith regulars incluing Ben Affleck and a couple of newcomers including Will Ferrell.

Movies about Winter Olympics a slippery lot

Although not nearly as spectacular as the Summer Games, the 2010 Winter Olympics kick off Saturday morning when athletes from 80 nations hit the ice and snow in Vancouver, Canada.

For 16 days, Olympians will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 15 categories. Some of the events are well known to Americans, such as figure skating. American skaters including Dorothy Hamill, Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamaguchi and Peggy Fleming have brought home 44 medals since the first Winter Games in 1924.

The top event for Americans has been speed skating with 63 medals over the years. Eric Heiden won five gold medals in speed skating at the Lake Placid Games. Illinois native Bonnie Blair also has five gold medals, including medals won at three consecutive Winter Olympics.

Americans have not fared well in some events including cross-country skiing, curling and the ski jump. Americans have won only one medal in each of those events. The luge is another weak spot for Americans with only four medals over the years.

Americans have never won a medal in the biathlon (cross-country ski and shoot) nor the Nordic combined (ski jumping and cross-country skiing) though there is hope that this may be the year Americans finally win a medal in the latter.

Hollywood traditionally loves sports movies but has only smiled on the Winter Olympics a handful of times, mostly with movies about figure skating and hockey.

Norwegian skating sensation Sonja Henie won medals at three Winter Games and then made a dozen Hollywood movies that somehow always found a way for her to lace up the skates such as “Sun Valley Serenade.” American skater Lynn Holly-Johnson starred as an Olympic hopeful in “Ice Castles,” which was remade last year.

The surprising American hockey team of 1980 has been the focus of two miles: “Miracle on Ice” in 1981 and “Miracle” in 2004.

There have been occasional movies about other winter sports including “Men with Brooms” about curling, which involves throwing a stone down an icy path with teammates armed with brooms sweeping furiously in front of the stone. It looks even sillier, believe me.

Here are six films available on video and DVD that feature the Winter Olympics or its athletes.

“The Cutting Edge” (1992) – D.B. Sweeney is a former hockey player who partners with Moira Kelly in a last-ditch attempt to win the pairs figure skating gold medal. They start out hating each other but eventually … you get the idea. Other stars include Roy Dotrice and Terry O’Quinn.

“Downhill Racer” (1969) – Robert Redford is a cold, calculating skiing machine who doesn’t play nice with others including his Olympic coach (Gene Hackman) in director Michael Ritchie’s film debut. Other stars include Camilla Sparv as the woman who almost gets through to Redford.

“Cool Runnings” (1993) – John Candy stars as a disgraced Olympian hired to coach the first Jamaican bobsled team in this comedy based on a true story. Other stars include Leon, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba and Rawle D. Davis.

“Miracle” (2004) – Kurt Russell stars as Herb Brooks, the unheralded coach who took a team of little known college hockey players and upset the Russian juggernaut en route to an unlikely gold medal at the 1980 games in Lake Placid. Other stars include Patricia Clarkson, Sean McCann and Noah Emmerich.

“Blades of Glory” (2007) – Will Ferrell and Jon Heder (pictured above) star as disgraced Olympic figure skaters who despite being banned from the Games find a loophole that allows them to compete as partners in this goofy sports comedy. Other stars include Will Arnett and Amy Poehler as ruthless rival skaters, Jenna Fischer and Craig T. Nelson.

Romance is in the air, but these films prove that sometimes love hurts

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches.

Romantic comedies would have you believe that love is essentially boy meets girl, they overcome some stupid problem and live happily ever after. For example:

Katherine Heigl finds herself pregnant and alone until Seth Rogen mans up and does the right thing in "Knocked Up."

Patrick Dempsey endures all kinds of flack for agreeing to be Michelle Monaghan's maid of honor in "Made of Honor." Then he steals her from Scottish heartthrob Kevin McKidd.

Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz find themselves married and winners of a million-dollar jackpot after a drunken night in Las Vegas in "What Happens in Vegas." They spend the movie trying to destroy each other for the money until they realize they are perfect for one another.

The pattern has been repeated in dozens of movies. Consider that Jane Fonda thinks she may have made a mistake in her sudden marriage to Jim Hutton in 1962's "Period of Adjustment," and Jack Lemmon tries to drive away Virna Lisi after finding himself married in 1965's "How to Murder Your Wife."

But every once in a while, Hollywood churns out a film that doesn't go for the happy ending.

Arnold Schwarzenegger loses his warrior girlfriend in "Conan the Barbarian." She dies so he may live. The ultimate sacrifice. Very sad.

Robert De Niro's wife (Sharon Stone) leaves him for brutal wiseguy Joe Pesci in "Casino." She dies of a drug overdose. Very sad.

Dudley Moore saves a man from drowning in order to bed the man's wife (Bo Derek) in "10." Then he realizes she's about as personable as a cabbage. Very sad. But he does get back together with Julie Andrews in the end.

Emilio Estevez screws up a very good thing he has going with Demi Moore in "About Last Night ..." Very sad.

Julie Roberts does her best to ruin the upcoming wedding of her longtime friend (Dermot Mulroney) to Cameron Diaz in "My Best Friend's Wedding." At least Diaz kicks her butt in one of the women's bathrooms at Sox park.

Poor Elizabeth Perkins is left to pine for a 13-year-old boy after he reverts to his true self in "Big."

Love may be all you need, but it often hurts. Here are six films available on video and DVD that look at relationships gone sour for one reason or another. Happy Valentine's Day.

"500 Days of Summer" (2009) -- Joseph Gordon-Levitt starts dating Zooey Deschanel. He falls in love. She doesn't. That about sums us this romantic comedy that bounces back and forth showing the audience how the two can have such different takes on life and their relationship. Other stars include Chloe Moretz as the boy's younger sister, who may be the most grown up person in the movie.

"Shakespeare In Love" (1998) -- Joseph Fiennes is the Bard in this romantic comedy about his relationship with one of Queen Elizabeth's ladies in waiting (Gwyneth Paltrow), who inspires "Romeo and Juliet" but also happens to be promised to another. Other stars include Judi Dench as the queen, Colin Firth as the other man, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson and Rupert Everett as Shakespeare's rival Christopher Marlowe.

"The Way We Were" (1973) -- A Jewish activist (Barbra Streisand) and a politically unmotivated WASP (Robert Redford) fall in love but eventually drift apart in this film that follows their relationship from college days in 1937 through World War II to the Hollywood witchhunts of the 1950s. Other stars include Bradford Dillman, Lois Chiles and Patrick O'Neal.

"Before Sunrise" (1995) -- An American (Ethan Hawke) meets a French woman (Julie Delpy) on a train bound for Vienna. They spend a wild night together knowing that they will probably never see each other again. This was such a complete film that I have refused to see the sequel, "Before Sunset," when they run into each other in Paris 10 years later.

"Annie Hall" (1977) -- Woody Allen breaks up with Diane Keaton and then spends the rest of the movie showing how their relationship started, prospered and eventually disintegrated. Allen's best film ever, thanks in large part to Keaton's performance as the title character. Other stars include Tony Roberts, Carol Kane and Paul Simon.

"The Break-Up" (2006) -- A young couple (Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston) move in together but things don't work out. They remain living together because of their situation but that doesn't stop their relationship from getting nastier and uglier the longer they remain in the same home. Other stars include Joey Lauren Adams, Cole Hauser, Jon Favreau and Justin Long.

New Orleans is a favorite city for filmmakers

New Orleans has made a remarkable recovery since the city was almost wiped out by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

So, it's fitting that the Crescent City's Saints have made it to this year's Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Miami.

Saints fans are no doubt stocking up on gumbo, jambalaya, crawdads and red beans and rice for their parties. All of those fixin's will be washed down with Abita beer or a Dixie brand such as Blackened Voodoo.

New Orleans has been a favorite of filmmakers over the years. Films about New Orleans range from historical epics such as "The Buccaneer" about Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson and the War of 1812 to period pieces such as "Jezebel," which is set in pre-Civil War New Orleans, to the city's notorious side such as "Walk on the Wild Side," which is set in a 1930s bordello.

Movies have focused on the city's darker side in films such as "Hard Times" about Depression-era bare-knuckle fighters, "Tightrope" with Clint Eastwood as a cop hunting a serial killer who is murdering women linked to him, "Panic in the Streets" about a hunt for a criminal carrying the plague, and "No Mercy" about a Chicago cop who travels to New Orleans to find a missing woman.

No list is complete without mentioning movies that cater to the city's musical roots. "Mardi Gras" features Pat Boone and some other 1950s teen crooners heading to the city to ask a movie star to homecoming.

Mardi Gras and the city's voodoo influence is featured in many movies including "Hoodoo for Voodoo."

New Orleans is also featured in some silly movies such as "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars," which finds the hapless duo in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and drek such as "Mardi Gras Massacre."

Here are six movies available on video or DVD that are sure to get members of the Who Dat Nation revved up before Sunday's big game.

"Hurricane Season" (2009) -- This one actually won't be available until Tuesday, but this is a great film about a basketball coach (Forest Whitaker) who brings together players from five high schools affected by Hurricane Katrina and gets them into the state playoffs a year after the hurricane has ravaged the city. Other stars include Taraji Henson, Bonnie Hunt, Isaiah Washington, Lil Wayne and Bow Wow.

"Pretty Baby" (1978) -- A young girl (Brooke Shield) is being raised by her prostitute mother (Susan Sarandon) in the city's notorious Storyville red-light district in the days before legalized prostitution is about to end in 1917. Other stars include Keith Carradine and Antonio Fargas.

"The Big Easy" (1986) -- The city is well represented in this film about a shady cop (Dennis Quaid) who is investigating murders of mob bosses and then finds himself under investigation for taking bribes by a pretty prosecutor (Ellen Barkin). Other stars include Ned Beatty and John Goodman.

"Angel Heart" (1987) -- Voodoo and such take center stage in this thriller about a private eye (Mickey Rourke) hired by a creepy character (Robert De Niro) to find a missing man following World War II. He finds the man and a lot more before it's all over. Also stars Lisa Bonet and Charlotte Rampling.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951) -- A disturbed woman (Vivien Leigh) moves in with sister and her brutish husband (Marlon Brando) while she slowly loses touch with reality in this Elia Kazan masterpiece. Other stars include Kim Hunter and Karl Malden.

"Hotel" (1967) -- Rod Taylor manages a New Orleans hotel in this film based on Arthur Hailey's novel. Other stars include Melvyn Douglas as the owner who is mulling over an offer for the hotel, Karl Malden as a thief preying on guests and Michael Rennie as as nobleman with a dark secret.

Celebrate The King's 75th birthday with your own Elvis film festival

Some stars are so popular, they simply are known by their first name. Everyone knows Oprah, and Madonna, and Cher. But those three ladies pale in comparison to Elvis.

Elvis Presley died in 1977, yet his estate continues to rake in millions of dollars each year.

Graceland, his home in Memphis, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Tennessee. Thousands of fans will descend on Graceland starting Thursday to celebrate what would have been The King’s 75th birthday.

If you go ...
For a complete list of events, and hotel and ticket information for The King's 75th birthday bash at Graceland, visit www.elvis.com

Elvis was first and foremost a singer. He won a couple of Grammy Awards for gospel singing. The walls at Graceland are lined with gold records for hit songs such as “Heartbreak Hotel.”

But Elvis also wanted to be a movie star. He made 31 movies from his debut in 1956 in “Love Me Tender” until his final role in “Change of Habit” in 1969. His roles ranged from a young soldier in West Germany in “G.I. Blues” to a boxer in “Kid Galahad” to a racecar driver in “Speedway.” Many critics dismiss his films as fluff, but almost all are entertaining. This isn’t Shakespeare, after all.

Elvis has had perhaps an even bigger impact as a character in dozens of movies.

Elvis has been featured in most movies about the early days of rock ’n’ roll including “Walk the Line” about Johnny Cash, “Great Balls of Fire” about Jerry Lee Lewis and even “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.”

His ghost has been present in “Luckytown” and “Mystery Train.”

He learned how to shake his groove thing by watching a young boy dance with braces in “Forrest Gump.”

He is even taken to task for refusing to stay out of sight after faking his death in “Death Becomes Her.”

Stars that have portrayed him on the silver screen include Don Johnson, Harvey Keitel, Michael St. Gerard, Bruce Campbell, David Keith and Kurt Russell, who not only portrayed The King in “Elvis” but also was his illegitimate son in “3000 Miles to Graceland.”

In honor of his 75th birthday, here are six films available on video and DVD that feature Elvis the man and the legend.

“Bubba Ho-tep” (2002) – Bruce Campbell stars as Elvis in this film that explains how he winds up in a ramshackle Texas nursing home with JFK (Ossie Davis) fighting an ancient Egyptian mummy for the souls of his fellow residents. I never pictured Campbell as Elvis, but he carries it off wonderfully.

“Elvis” (1979) – Kurt Russell stars as The King in this made-for-television film that follows his life from a young boy in Mississippi. Season Hubley co-stars as Priscilla, Shelley Winters portrays his mother and Pat Hingle is Elvis’ manager Col. Tom Parker.

“Heartbreak Hotel” (1988) – David Keith stars as Elvis who is kidnapped by a boy (Charlie Schlatter) to help his mother (Tuesday Weld) recover from a car accident in this Chris Columbus comedy.

“Elvis Meets Nixon” (1997) – Rick Peters stars as Elvis in this film based on The King’s real-life attempts to persuade President Nixon (Bob Gunton) to make him a federal agent for the DEA. Alyson Court co-stars as Priscilla.

“Finding Graceland” (1998) – Harvey Keitel stars as a drifter claiming to be Elvis. He catches a ride with a young man (Johnathon Schaech) heading from New Mexico to see Graceland. Along the way they find a Marilyn Monroe impersonator (Bridget Fonda). Gretchen Mol co-stars as the young man’s dead wife.

“Elvis” (2005) – Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as Elvis in this made-for-television film that paints Col. Tom Parker (Randy Quaid) as the villain who helps bring about Elvis’ untimely demise. Rose McGowan co-stars as Ann-Margret.