While it contains remarkably realistic special effects, those who have been told that "Dante's Peak" is merely a piece of "eye candy" can consider themselves among the woefully misinformed. It isn't a simple sugar-coated snack to be consumed and hastily digested; it is an elaborately composed symphony of a film. It contains riveting performances, breathtaking locales, a captivating love story and an extremely agile dog. Thus, the "eye candy" label would be ill-suited for this particularly film and more properly directed at other assembly-line disaster movies. Reader, I assure you, after one viewing you will understand: to watch "Dante's Peak" is to have your retinas treated to 109 minutes of cinematic fillet mignon.

The story involves the charmingly quaint town of Dante's Peak and its charmingly quaint inhabitants. While the town is the embodiment of peace and tranquility, there is trouble brewing beneath the surface. Geologist Harry Dalton (played with unwavering masculinity by Pierce Brosnan) and Mayor Rachel Wando (played with unwavering masculinity by Linda Hamilton) believe the town in danger of being destroyed by an unexpected eruption from the presumed-dormant neighboring volcano. Their quest to rescue the town meets resistance in the form of a stubborn city counsel, Dalton's ignorant boss and, of course, an enormous volcano.

It should be noted that "Dante's Peak" is the perfect star-vehicle for Pierce Brosnan. He is pitch-perfect as the resolute Dalton. In fact, it occurred to me while watching the film that nobody other than Brosnan could have played the role (he just looks like a "Harry Dalton," doesn't he?). In the face of Mother Nature's wrath, Brosnan provides the searing rivers of magma with a worthy human adversary. Early in the movie, his character is introduced vigorously doing a grueling set of pushups. Seeing this, we immediately think, 'The volcano doesn't stand a chance.' Indeed, Brosnan is a force of nature all his own.

The film itself is an uplifting one; a tribute to the human spirit. The only thing which disappoints me is that a sequel has yet to materialize. Years have passed since the film's initial release and it has failed to escape the consciousness of movie-goers. "Dante's Peak" has given us such rich characters and wonderfully-realized scenarios, who wouldn't want to witness the further exploits of Harry Dalton & Friends? Personally, upon first viewing the film, I envisioned a trilogy. I could imagine a sequel where the U.S. government calls Dalton out of retirement to stop the potential volcanic eruption of Mount Rushmore. Perhaps in the third installment Dalton & Co. could be thrust into the deep unknown of outer space as they investigate the unusual seismic activity of a dormant volcano on Mars. These sequels, I believe, would prove to be lucrative for the studio while also satiating the overwhelming public thirst for more "Dante's Peak."

Regardless of how many sequels are made, the original film will always remain a classic. A skillfully-crafted spectacle filled with wonderful performances and indelible images, you don't have to be a geologist to realize that "Dante's Peak" is a gem.

In the tradition of "Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca" and "Lawrence of Arabia," director Frank Marshall gives us the greatest Hollywood epic of our time, "Congo." The film is a cinematic triumph; storytelling at its best. The story centers around a gorilla named Amy who, through sign-language and a hand-operated voice-synthesizer, is able to communicate with humans. After Amy has a series of nightmares, her caretaker, Dr. Peter Elliot (Dylan Walsh), feels that its time to return Amy to the jungle from whence she came. Along for the ride is TraviCom communications employee Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney) who wishes to enter the Congo with Peter and Amy in order to find her ex-fiance Charlie (Bruce Cambell), son of TraviCom CEO R.B. Travis (played with vigor by Joe Don Baker). After Tim Curry and Ernie Hudson join the group the expedition is underway. Let the good times roll.

What sets "Congo" apart from other adventure movies is the gorgeous African backdrop, a fantastic soundtrack and, without a doubt, the most talented cast ever assembled for a motion picture.

Tim Curry gives possibly the greatest performance of his storied career as Herkermer Homolka, a Romanian philanthropist who wants to help Amy get back to her jungle habitat (or does he?).

In Captain Munro Kelly, veteran actor Ernie Hudson gives us one of the big screen's most legendary performances. Amidst the never-ending peril of gunfire, murderous primates and scheming philanthropists which surround him in the sweltering jungles of the Congo, Hudson exudes a calm nonchalance and gives the film a healthy dose of subtlety and wit. While in the thick of the glorious spectacle of the film's heart-pounding action and colorful performances, Hudson plays his character with a quiet elegance. It's a skillfully executed performance which draws attention to the fact that Hudson is the glue of this ensemble piece. His interactions with the expedition's other members provides the audience with little glimpses into their respective characters while, at the same time, allowing the film to never deviate from its seamless narrative flow. It's a demanding role and Hudson is more than up for the task; he brings out the best in his fellow actors. Case and point: Munro's relationship with expedition guide Kahega (played with blithe exuberance by the phenomenally talented Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). The filmmakers wisely underplayed the rapport between these characters and allowed the two gifted actors to simply hint at and imply a past of fond memories and shared adventures rather than drench the film with sloppy sentiment and inane banter. Furthermore, what the two actors subtly express onscreen is undeniably touching; from the most minute of mannerisms and gestures, one gathers that there is an unquestionable camaraderie and an unspoken devotion between the two (The expression on Munro's face when Kahega meets his unfortunate demise at the hands of the grey killer ape is so devastating and soul-wrenching that it may have single-handedly won Hudson his much-deserved 1995 Sci-Fi Universe Magazine Reader's Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor).

In addition, the tension which exists between Munro's character and Curry's provides, arguably, the best moments "Congo." The dialogue exchange between these two brilliant actors is an absolute treat to witness. The two actors share such chemistry that one can't help but think Hudson and Curry will be prominently featured in the films inevitable sequel and/or sitcom spin-off.

And, of course, let us not forget Amy the gorilla. Amy's tender and affectionate performance assures that she can now be considered one of Hollywood's elite primate actors; she belongs to an A-list which includes Ed (from "Ed") Dunston (from "Dunston Checks In"), Buddy (from "Buddy") and Robin Williams (from "Jack"). It should be noted that Amy certainly has her share of detractors who find her performance tedious and her dialogue redundant. Those critics, however, have absolutely no understanding of the patience and labor it takes to teach gorillas to talk; all things considered, Amy's performance is nothing short of miraculous. Simply put, anybody who criticizes or mocks this splendid actress is a fool, an absolute fool.

Such performances enliven an already entertaining storyline filled with danger, intrigue, deception and enormous hippos. Watching "Congo" is a tremendously gratifying experience; it is one of the greatest movies of all time and whoever chooses to sit and watch it will be greatly rewarded with a well-crafted tale. As Curry's Homolka might put it, it is a movie "of incredible bounty."

In the tradition of "Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca" and "Lawrence of Arabia," director Frank Marshall gives us the greatest Hollywood epic of our time, "Congo." The film is a cinematic triumph; storytelling at its best. The story centers around a gorilla named Amy who, through sign-language and a hand-operated voice-synthesizer, is able to communicate with humans. After Amy has a series of nightmares, her caretaker, Dr. Peter Elliot (Dylan Walsh), feels that its time to return Amy to the jungle from whence she came. Along for the ride is TraviCom communications employee Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney) who wishes to enter the Congo with Peter and Amy in order to find her ex-fiance Charlie (Bruce Cambell), son of TraviCom CEO R.B. Travis (played with vigor by Joe Don Baker). After Tim Curry and Ernie Hudson join the group the expedition is underway. Let the good times roll.

What sets "Congo" apart from other adventure movies is its gorgeous African backdrop, a fantastic soundtrack and, without a doubt, the most talented cast ever assembled for a motion picture.

Tim Curry gives possibly the greatest performance of his storied career as Herkermer Homolka, a Romanian philanthropist who wants to help Amy get back to her jungle habitat (or does he?).

In Captain Munro Kelly, veteran actor Ernie Hudson gives us one of the big screen's most legendary performances. Amidst the never-ending peril of gunfire, murderous primates and scheming philanthropists which surround him in the sweltering jungles of the Congo, Hudson exudes a calm nonchalance and gives the film a healthy dose of subtlety and wit. While in the thick of the glorious spectacle of the film's heart-pounding action and colorful performances, Hudson plays his character with a quiet elegance. It's a skillfully executed performance which draws attention to the fact that Hudson is the glue of this ensemble piece. His interactions with the expedition's other members provides the audience with little glimpses into their respective characters while, at the same time, allowing the film to never deviate from its seamless narrative flow. It's a demanding role and Hudson is more than up for the task; he brings out the best in his fellow actors. Case and point: Munro's relationship with expedition guide Kahega (played with blithe exuberance by the phenomenally talented Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). The filmmakers wisely underplayed the rapport between these characters and allowed the two gifted actors to simply hint at and imply a past of fond memories and shared adventures rather than drench the film with sloppy sentiment and inane banter. Furthermore, what the two actors subtly express onscreen is undeniably touching; from the most minute of mannerisms and gestures, one gathers that there is an unquestionable camaraderie and an unspoken devotion between the two (The expression on Munro's face when Kahega meets his unfortunate demise at the hands of the grey killer ape is so devastating and soul-wrenching that it may have single-handedly won Hudson his much-deserved 1995 Sci-Fi Universe Magazine Reader's Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor).

In addition, the tension which exists between Munro's character and Curry's provides, arguably, the best moments "Congo." The dialogue exchange between these two brilliant actors is an absolute treat to witness. The two actors share such chemistry that one can't help but think Hudson and Curry will be prominently featured in the films inevitable sequel and/or sitcom spin-off.

And, of course, let us not forget Amy the gorilla. Amy's tender and affectionate performance assures that she can now be considered one of Hollywood's elite primate actors; she belongs to an A-list which includes Ed (from "Ed") Dunston (from "Dunston Checks In"), Buddy (from "Buddy") and Robin Williams (from "Jack"). It should be noted that Amy certainly has her share of detractors who find her performance tedious and her dialogue redundant. Those critics, however, have absolutely no understanding of the patience and labor it takes to teach gorillas to talk; all things considered, Amy's performance is nothing short of miraculous. Simply put, anybody who criticizes or mocks this splendid actress is a fool, an absolute fool.

Such performances enliven an already entertaining storyline filled with danger, intrigue, deception and enormous hippos. Watching "Congo" is a tremendously gratifying experience; it is one of the greatest movies of all time and whoever chooses to sit and watch it will be greatly rewarded with a well-crafted tale. As Curry's Homolka might put it, it is a movie "of incredible bounty."

Insightful, observant and brave, David Shields' Black Planet is a thought-provoking look at America's sports culture and, ultimately, America's culture in general. Never afraid to use himself as a subject, the author takes a look at the racial dynamic apparant -but rarely confronted upon- in the NBA.

Even for the non-sports fan, this book will prove to be an enlightening read because basketball only provides the backdrop for the author's exploration of society and self.

It should be noted that the author is not a sports writer. In fact, the author often seems out of place in the various professional basketball environments he roams and inhabits in the book. Such a feeling of disconnect, however, aids the text, I believe; such an outside-looking-in perspective gives the book a voice I suspect many readers will recognize--their own.