By Chris Castillo

Special to the News

In Hollywood, recycling can be good thing; especially when it comes to movies.

Three movies I recently viewed are remakes or are directly related to a book or documentary.

“Grey Gardens,” inspired by a documentary by the Maysles brothers, follows the life of two relatives of Jackie O. These eccentric women are mother and daughter, Big Edie (Jessica Lange) and Little Edie (Drew Barrymore). The elder loves to sing and enjoys her countless cats; the younger just wants to be a star of stage and screen. From youth to senior citizens, this film captures the women at their best and worst. It is an honest portrayal of aging women who live in a home that is crumbling around them and the two documentary filmmakers who capture the aging entertaining women as they sing and dance for the camera.

The feature film goes beyond the documentary, and shows us where these women came from and how they end up living in a dump. This work is well acted and always interesting. You couldn’t make up a better story. Also, check out the extras, and see footage from the actual documentary that started it all. It’s priceless.

“The Soloist” is an inspiring true story of a mentally ill man (Jamie Foxx) who is befriended by journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.). Lopez, an LA Times writer, comes across brilliant, yet homeless musician Nathanial Ayres by chance. Ayres is playing a violin with two strings, creating beautiful music. This DVD shows how a chance meeting changed the lives of two men. 

One man loves music with a passion; and the other learns to love life and care for something more than just himself. This film will warm your heart and may make you wonder how you can help make the world a better place.

“Race to Witch Mountain” is a remake of a 1995 Disney flick. But, this time the film stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and comes with state-of-the-art special effects. This is a sci-fi romp, with an action-packed story.

Vegas cabbie Jack Bruno (Johnson) picks up two kids, who just happen to be aliens from another planet sent to Earth to retrieve a device to save their home planet.  Yes, this sounds a little goofy, but the film works. I was skeptical, but with a good script, great FXs and “The Rock” Disney pulls off this remake with flying colors. Although it might be too scary for younger viewers, this Blu-ray is worth a watch.

“Grey Gardens” and “Race to Witch Mountain” are rated PG. “The Soloist” is rated PG13. Check out the DVD extras on “The Soloist” and see the men who inspired that film.

Chris Castillo writes DVD reviews and about indie films in his column Reel News.