Reviews … There have really not been any “good” new movies (frustrating) to review so I ended up challenging myself to offer you a DVD Film Fest: The Circle of Life. I hope you might enjoy one or all DVD suggestions.

The Circle of Life DVD Film Fest Coming of Age: Black Irish - In Boston, a family deals with dysfunction, each in their own way. 16-year-old Cole vows to grow up different than his older brother, who has led a life of violence and drugs. This is a dark film that runs the gamut emotions but in a way is really sweet and tender. This, an unknown film, touched and entertained me. Stars: Michael Angarano (Will & Grace and 24) and Tom Guiry (The Black Donnellys) Directed by newcomer Brad Gann. Age suggestion 12 and older (violence)

Marriage: Cousins - This is an all time favorite film of mine that not only is full of weddings but also deals with real relationships. It’s amazing how humans can really hurt each other. This is a beautifully filmed and scored movie that is just drenched in romance. Stars: Ted Danson, Isabella Rossellini, Sean Young, William Peterson, Norma Aleandro and Lloyd Bridges. Directed by Joel Schumacher and written by: Steven Metcalfe. Age suggestion 16 and older (mature themes)

Family: Parenthood - NBC is running a show loosely based on this film this season (by the way, I really am enjoying the TV show as well). This is a film about family. As they always say - you can pick your friends but not your family because let’s face it, would you pick yours? But would you have it any other way? They make you who you are – good or bad. This film runs the gamut again, of life and how one extended family deals with it. Stars: Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis and others. Directed by: Ron Howard. Age suggestion: 9 and older (may not be interested at this age)

Divorce: Kramer verses Kramer - Not every marriage will lead to a divorce (thank goodness) but it is a fact of life to many of us. This film follows Ted as he become the single dad of Billy after divorce and has to learn how to juggle being a “mom”. Just as he seems to be getting it together – his ex appears and wants to turn everything upside down again. This was one of the first films I saw dealing with the subject - very emotional. Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep and Justin Henry. Directed and screen written by: Robert Benton. Age suggestion: 13 and older (mature theme)

Aging: Everybody’s Fine - This film was out around Christmas and I believe I reviewed it but it was such a sweet story, I am going to recommend it for the DVD film fest. It is about a dad that now has time on his hands but his adult children don’t. The question is - Will his kids let him see themselves as they are, and can this dad adapt? It reminds me of Jim Croche’s song, Cat in the Cradle. Stars: Robert DeNiro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell. Directed by: Kirk Jones. Age suggestion: 15 and older (not sure younger will be interested)