The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning (2007)

One of my favourite television programs growing up was “The Dukes of Hazzard,” so I was thrilled in 2005 when a major motion picture based on the series was released, starring Jessica Simpson, Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Burt Reynolds and Willie Nelson. While I very much enjoyed this picture, others didn't care for either the plot, or the actors portraying the beloved characters. Well, those people should be pleased, because with the exception of Willie Nelson, those actors are nowhere to be found in this prequel.

This film tells the tale of Bo and Luke Duke's arrival in Hazzard County, and the zany shenanigans they get themselves into while helping their Uncle Jesse run his moonshine business. All of the classic characters are here — Boss Hogg, Rosco P. Coltrane, Daisy Duke, and her cooter ….her friend Cooter that is.

Along the way we learn the origins of the Dukes versus Boss Hogg feud, the General Lee, and the Daisy Duke shorts, all integral parts of the original series.

It's great to see that Willie Nelson was brought back to show some continuity between the two films. I'm sure as long as he continues to be impressed by the scripts, has pot to buy, and IRS fines to pay, Willie will remain open to doing more of these films.

Aside from Willie, the rest of the cast is a virtual who's who, or at least a who's that. Comedian Harland Williams (Employee of the Month, Half Baked) is a hoot-and-a-half as Rosco P. Coltrane, the bumbling sheriff of Hazzard County who constantly fails in his attempts to nab them Duke boys.

Also starring in the film is Trishelle Cannatella, best known as the drunk and slutty girl from season two of “The Surreal Life.” This role, along with her upcoming work in Ninja Cheerleaders is sure to vault her into Hollywood's elite. Someday people will be referring to her as that drunk and slutty girl who just won an Oscar. Oh, and yes, I will at some point do a review of Ninja Cheerleaders, don't you worry.

If you are not already sold on this film, consider this. The world's second most popular film website imdb.com (mine being the most popular) has a feature called Plot Keywords. The Plot Keywords for The Passion of the Christ, for example, include: Jesus Christ; Crucifix; Christianity; Betrayal and Prophecy. So you know what you are getting.

Well, the Plot Keywords for The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning are: Buxom; Female Nudity; Moonshine; Cleavage; Prequel; Underwear and Topless. If the words buxom and moonshine don't have you going out and buying this film immediately, then nothing else I can say will.

Well that's it, my final column of the year. Well, for this newspaper anyways. This past weekend, the Toronto Star contacted me and made me a very lucrative offer — 26 issues for $22.50. Unless I have completely misunderstood what they were talking about, I'd say they are very interested in having the Cinema Connoisseur appear in their pages. So look out for that. Also check out www.cinemaconn.com for infrequent updates during the summer.