American Me
by Edward James Olmos
from Universal Studios
Actor-turned-director Edward James Olmos set out to spread the word against the destructiveness of gang violence with this 1992 gritty drama. Set in the barrios of East Los Angeles, he attempts to cover 30 years in the life of a family with strong gang ties. This brutally realistic story may not intentionally glorify violence, but it offers no answers. (Olmos actually shot the prison scenes in Folsom, which explains their harsh reality.) Great performances though, especially by Olmos and William Forsythe. Olmos plays a gang leader released from prison who is finally in touch with himself, only to realize it is too late. The one major problem with this well-intentioned flick is that it is rated R for violence, nudity, and profanity. Therefore, the kids who most need its message are not, in theory, the ones who will see it. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Wolf Mountain
by Craig Clyde
from ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS INC.
Two outlandishly oafish outlaws grab a getaway car to escape pursuing police, only to discover they've jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire! Unnoticed by the fleeing cons, hidden in the back seat are three resourceful kids--Casey, John and Kerry- each one a bundle of 11-year-old mischief and energy! Once the crooks discover the kids, they begin making plans to hold them hostages--until Casey throws them a curve by throwing up (his specialty is "puking on cue."). The disgusted bad guys decide they can't stand barfing kids in the back seat, so they decide to drop the youngsters off, deep within the woods of mysterious Wolf Mountain Park. There, according to Indian legend, exists a "wolf spirit" who brings secret powers to those who follow the trail of honor and justice. Given the power of the legend, our three adventuresome kids decide to put the bad guys back where they belong, setting a series of outlandish traps to hammer the crooks into surrender until the police can catch up! Bo Hopkins, Mickey Rooney, Robert Z'Dar. DVD features: Music Video from "Fresh"; Production Stills; Coloring Book - Just print and paint!
Welcome To Planet Earth
by Lev L. Spiro
from Buena Vista Home Entertainment
When Joseph inherits a debt-ridden boarding house he needs to find tenants right away. One stormy night, they arrive on his doorstep. It's Charlie (George Wendt of "Cheers") and his wife Rhonda (Shanna Reed). The justice-loving couple is on vacation to expose their beautiful daughter Daphne to different cultures, and they've chosen to take this year's trip to ... earth! Fortunately, the neighborhood offers enough villains to satisfy vigilantes from any galaxy, and the action-adventure and laughs are out of this world.
Project Eliminator
by H. Kaye Dyal
from Image Entertainment
After a fed up scientist destroys a flying attack laser powered by AI, he hires a pair of Special Forces vets for protection. When he and his daughter are kidnapped, the vets must carve their way through heavily armed killers to save them.
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