Looking for something to rent now that we're in rerun hell?

So I rented the movie "The Holiday." It may surprise you to know that I'm not really into romantic comedies. Or chick lit. But I thought this one had potential because Kate Winslet is in it. And I have such a crush on her. I think Kate Winslet comes pretty close to being The Ideal Woman. Her, and Helen Mirren. (Apparently, my Ideal Woman has a British accent.) Plus, I just like the title of it, b/c I think they are using the term "holiday" in the British sense (again with the British!) which is a usage I would totally adopt if it wouldn't make me sound all fake-British in the vein of Madonna and Gweneth. To me, going "on holiday" is visiting exotic locations, staying in charming villas, Mediterranean breezes blowing your hair. Going "on vacation," on the other hand, suggests visits to Disney World, long lines, cheesy tourist traps and American excess. From now on, I'm only going "on holiday" and I recommend you do the same.

[Spoilers Ahead]

First, let me say that Cameron Diaz looks great in this movie, and I'm not typically her fan. All blonde and fresh-faced and California Cover Girl and she gets the best wardrobe. Only can she please be in just one movie where she doesn't dance alone in her bedroom? Sheesh. About three-quarters of the way through the movie, I was feeling like I was really watching two separate and distinct films, since the stories of the two girls who swap houses for Christmas really don't intersect at all other than the fact that they each meet someone from the other one's life which, duh. How would you not? You're living in her house.

The end of the movie was extremely unsatisfying, as there is a big build up of "I love you, but we live continents away! And we both have lives! That we can't leave! Whatever shall we do?" that was never resolved. You're supposed to be content with, "Oh, look, we all spent New Year's Eve together in Surrey! Music swells. The End!"

Now, if you really want to see something good, go out & rent the BBC's Planet Earth, one of the most exciting things to come to DVD in years. Remember that video that was making the rounds recently of the great white shark jumping out of the water and eating that seal? Planet Earth. And the night-filming of the lion's taking down the adult elephant? Planet Earth. There is SO MUCH cool stuff here - lots of it never witnessed by humans before - that you'll be completely mesmerized for hours. There's at least 10 different chapters including Caves, Mountains, the Poles, and Jungles. Some of you may have seen the Discovery Channel TV series narrated by Sigourney Weaver. But I recommend this original BBC version narrated by David Attenborough. Appropriate for all ages. (Kids will especially love the birds of paradise trying to attract mates.)