Video Picks Archive

October 13, 2001
This Week's Video Picks
Back to Archive

Reviews by Eugene Kopman <eugene@filmhead.com>

This week my picks are Shrek (2001 - ) and Frankenstein (1931 - ).

Halloween is here and for those who are not going to parties or those who are inviting friends over, don't be afraid to tell them to bring kids, because my first pick is one of the best movies to come out this year: Shrek. This DreamWorks computer-animated film can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This is a story about a misunderstood monster: an ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers), who was never respected because he was ugly. He is summoned by an evil dictator, Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow), to go and fetch Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) so Farquaad can marry her and become king in exchange for the deed to Shreks' swamp. Along with a talking donkey named Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek goes on the mission. This is a beautiful fairy tale with cameos from very familiar fairy tale and literary characters. This story also has an unpredictable twist, but most importantly it'll make anyone laugh. The kids will love the fun story and lovable characters, and the adults will laugh out loud to some great dialogue filled with numerous punchlines, puns, and innuendoes.
Full review by Matt Heffernan from June 4, 2001

After the kids go to bed, pop in a classic. I'm talking about what many consider to be the best horror film of all time: James Whale's 1931 version of Frankenstein. The Monster, who has been immortalized by Boris Karloff, is also misunderstood because of his looks. Everyone knows this story: Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) creates life, but it all goes wrong when everyone believes that the Monster killed a little girl and the whole village hunts down The Monster. By today's standards, Frankenstein is not that scary considering we have seen films with Michael Myers, Jason, Pinhead, and Freddy Krueger, but Frankenstein can also be appreciated as an art film. I recommend renting the restored version instead of the original, because in the restored version, a very important deleted scene has been put back into the movie, which makes more sense when it comes to understanding the Monster. I wouldn't recommend this movie for little kids, because it is psychologically disturbing. Sequel: Bride of Frankenstein.

Enjoy Shrek and have a scream with Frankenstein. Happy Halloween!

Here's some merchandise for sale at

Shrek (2001)	-- VHS
Shrek (2001)	-- DVD
Shrek!, a storybook by William Steig	-- Hardcover
Shrek!, a storybook by William Steig	-- Paperback Book and Audio Cassette (narrated by Robert Serva)
Shrek, a screenplay novelization by Ellen Weiss	-- Paperback
Shrek: Soundtrack	-- Compact Disc
Frankenstein (1931)	-- VHS
Frankenstein (1931)	-- DVD
Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley	-- Hardcover
Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley	-- Paperback
Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley	-- Audio Cassette (read by Richard Pasco)

webmaster@filmhead.com