So there I am in this book store browsing the magazine rack when I see this brunette on the cover of FHM magazine. I didn't recognize her, and out of curiosity purchased a copy.

The cover girl turned out to be Rachael Leigh Cook, and the article stated that she was one of the hottest new stars in Hollywood, featured in four movies that opened between 1999 and 2000. "She's All That" was the one movie that got the people's attention, but she had a busy movie career already established. Films that were in the can and waiting to be released at the magazine's press time included "Texas Rangers" and "Get Carter."

My first item of business was to check out the critically acclaimed teen flick, "She's All That." Funny thing is that I didn't even know it had hit the movie screen. There was talk about it on some of the Christian music discussion lists I subscribe to because "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer was featured on the soundtrack. I first saw the movie for sale at a truck stop located on I-35 in Ft. Worth.

One night I rent "She's All That." The next day the car goes into the garage for repairs. I have nothing better to do and during that week I let this mesmerizing actress blow my mind as she made Laney Boggs come to life.

I watched this movie and could not get tired of it.

I paid close attention to the papers for "Get Carter." So okay, the movie wasn't the greatest film Sylvester Stallone ever did. But the scenes he shared with Rachael made his bad guy seem like a real human being who was tired of being on the wrong side of life.

Next up should have been "Texas Rangers," but nothing appeared in the papers about a release date. Then I hear that Rachael is doing a movie with Tara Reid and Rosario Dawson based on the comic book and cartoon series, "Josie & the Pussycats." I see two trailers for the film, one narrated and the other featuring the song "Three Small Words." Even though the studios didn't promote it properly, this movie became a top priority for me. Opening weekend, I saw it three times and I was not disappointed. Eliminate the satire, which I did, and it became this year's equivalent to Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous." "Josie & the Pussycats" is, for me, the best film of 2001.

So what's the big deal about Rachael Leigh Cook? She's just an actress.

Yeah. so what's your point? Look, I am probably one of a very few people who liked "King Solomon's Mines," that Sharon Stone starred in with Richard Chamberlain. I thought it was a fun movie, and everyone seemed to be having a good time making the film. I know it bombed bad enough that the studio had to make "Alan Quartermain and the Lost City of Gold." At least Stone appeared to be having some fun with acting. Then she starred in "Total Recall" with Arnold Schwarzeneggar and the layout for Playboy. Then she did "Basic Instinct." (That was a bad film, as was "Sliver." Dare I mention "The Specialist," with Stallone playing the bomb expert?) The joy was gone, even though she was/is an actress on Hollywood's "A-list."

Rachael has been in over 15 movies in the last five years, and has her own production company. She isn't on the A-list, and that might be a good thing. In the films I've seen, the joy of acting is reflecting in her eyes. She is having fun, and getting the most out of it the best way she can. She has said that acting is hard work, but she apparently isn't burned out on it yet. Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, even to a degree Winona Ryder, come across as if they are no longer enjoying their careers. For them, it's a job and the thrill is gone.

But maybe I'm wrong. Stone hasn't had a big hit in a while. Roberts seemed to have fun with "The Pelican Brief," but I have not seen "America's Sweethearts." As for Ryder, do I have to say anything about "Lost Souls" or "Autumn in New York?" Please don't make me go there. I hope you don't think I'm slamming these actresses. Each of them has a respectable body of work of varying degrees of quality. They will continue to make films. Based on the merits of the film, I'll make up my mind about watching them at the movies or renting the videos.

Some actresses get the role and trust in their looks to play the part. Others have the looks and talent, and take whatever work they can find. If bad press is good press, then they do whatever it takes to keep their names in the papers. Rare actresses have the looks, the talent, the integrity and the credibility to make the audience believe in the characters being portrayed. Rachael brings these qualities to her performances. Her loyal legion of fans will take care of the publicity.

So yeah, Rachael Leigh Cook is more than just an actress. I hope she has a body of work that is built on quality and not quantity. She might never make the A-list, but in the eyes of her fans, Rachael will always be more than Hollywood deserves.

"With or Without You" originally appeared on The Joshua Tree (1987, Island Records)
These additional lyrics were performed at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, and are featured in the 1988 Paramount Pictures release, U2: Rattle and Hum