The time has come for a new blog. I write, having recently finished two shows that were not given the much needed attention that they deserved. There have been many shows that were mistreated, however here I am only going to focus on two specific ones. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorites.
The first of the two that I am going to talk about is a show called "Life". It was on NBC for two seasons from Sept 2007 until April of 2009. Two seasons is very unfortunate for such a great show. The premise of the show was, a police officer is wrongfully accused of murder and spends 12 years in jail only to be exonerated when new evidence comes to light. He is let out with quite a hefty sum, as well as getting to be a detective once again. He becomes very philosophical, and he starts to unravel the mystery surrounding his wrongful imprisonment. He partners up with a young lady that is getting a chance to prove that her drug addiction is over and she can be a great detective.
I have to tell you first off that I watched the first couple of episodes when they first aired. Unfortunately life happened and I found myself not watching, or even thinking about this show again. Until a friend of mine reminded me about the show. Thanks to Hulu, I was able to watch all of the episodes, and I have to tell you, I am sorry I missed it. A show this good didn't deserve to be cancelled. It had fantastic cases, that were being solved. The main characters had a wonderful love hate relationship as he always annoyed her with his Zen attitude. It was that very thought process that helped him to be a great detective, as he would spout off things like " everything is connected".
My love for the main characters only helped drive my love for the show. However, the thing that kept me coming back show after show, was the way he pieced the puzzle together to figure out why he was framed. The whole process was so fun to watch, because each time it hit you with one more unexpected twist. It had me constantly guessing and routing for him, but it also left you wondering all the same questions that he would ask.
The show was easy for me to invest my time and energy into because the characters were so damn likable, the plot was so incredibly woven together, and each episode was its own little slice of fun. I can say that I miss this show and wish that it had a second chance.
The second show that was mistreated, by Showtime, was a show, which I talked about a couple of blogs ago, called Jeremiah. Thanks to the magic of Netflix, I was able to find this hidden gem. This show demanded to be treated better, but must have been completely mishandled. It aired on Showtime from March of 2002 until January of 2004. A post apocalyptic world that must rebuild from a disaster. I know what you are thinking here we go again, not quite. A different spin. Instead of just people surviving after a nuclear war, or something like that, it was about anybody being over the age of innocence dying, and leaving children to find the way for themselves.
Towns are run by gangsters, or thieves, or nobody in some cases. But who is going to rebuild? People are out for power for themselves, but can they work together to bring civilization back to what it used to be? Questions like these are what made the show tick. Heroes, and villains. Good versus evil. And through it all we follow two people lost, that form an unlikely bond, to help bring the world back as they knew it from when they were young. The show explores the dynamics of how people treat people, how power can corrupt some, but there are some that would do anything to help everybody.
The main characters, Jeremiah and Kurdy, played by Luke Perry and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, are heroes without wanting to be. Jeremiah is a man trying to find something from his past that may lead to finding his father that is most likely dead, but never giving up on the thought that he might be alive. He carries the weight of his brothers death on his shoulders, and has a hard time allowing anybody into his life. He wanders from town to town looking for information and nothing more. Kurdy is a man of mysterious past, and what looks to be a rough future. He too wanders from town to town, but more out of boredom then anything else. In his own way he too is searching for answers. He starts out as a very rough around the edges character, and that part always remains with him. When he and Jeremiah become friends, you start to see more to him than just the tough guy he seems to be. He has a love for history, and is an avid reader, as well as poetic. They form a relationship that transcends race, religion, ethnicity, but stands for one thing alone: a trust in each other. They learned that no matter what, they had each others back, even when people are dying all around them. They become ambassadors for the new world. They become more then just people looking for answers, but people that others start to look for to help them with their questions. They help to take the steps to rebuilding the world with many others and a man named Marcus.
He leads the people not through fear, but through unity. His plan is to gather the people together. To become a stronger nation then the one that was destroyed. He doesn't do it for the glory, he does it for the need. People want a better world, but they don't know how to get it. His leadership is what fuels the people to rebuild, better then before.
I found a love for this show, and I hope that others do as well. From the main characters to the supporting, including a new character played by Sean Astin. Through the premise and delivery, this show has become one that I am so grateful for finding. The story is great, and so are the characters. I only wish that there was more for me to watch.
There are some shows that go on and on and on. Some that I like, some that I don't care for. These two are missed greatly, and I never really watched them when they aired. I am thankful that I was able to find them and watch them fully. Although they didn't make it passed a second season, it goes to show you that, sometimes, it's better to have an unfair exit, then an overdue one.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Office
Once again, quite some time has passed since my last blog, but for no other reason then I have been busy watching old shows and new shows, as well as working on my own show (more about that in the future). My point is, I have been enjoying movies, and shows of all sorts, and instead of writing about them I have just been watching more and more. I am, once again, ready to write about some of the things I have been watching.
There is one show that I have been watching, but have found myself not ready to blog about yet. Until now. The Office. Quite possibly my favorite "sitcom" of all time. If not my number one, then in my top 3 (subject to change based on mood). It is quite simply one of the funniest, most well written, and creative shows, as well as having a stellar cast. From top to bottom, every character can have me laughing. However with that said, the leaving of one character may forever change the landscape of the show. I hope it helps the show to move in a new direction, and doesn't cause harm. I have confidence that the show will continue it's success without Michael Scott. The writers are still in place as is the rest of the cast, so they should now be able to find their own way without the leadership of Steve Carrell.
Michael Scott will be going down as one of our favorite characters of all time. With his quick dim-witted nature, his characters that cause more harm then help, and always quick with a "That's what she said". He has taken the time to make us fall in love with a character that at times is sexiest, or intolerant, or prejudice. The only thing is, he doesn't do it out of a hurtful place, it is in fact the opposite. All of his moments of pure bad behavior come from a place that is pure of heart, and with the best intentions. Except for when it comes to Toby. But I guess we all may have that one person that just rubs us the wrong way.
No matter which way you slice it, what Steve Carrell brought to us through Michael Scott was joy. He was the funny guy that wants so much out of life without the full understanding of how to reach it. He gave us all the joy of journeying with him as he grew into a person that we won't just miss because of his humor, but, more so, because of his heart.
There is one show that I have been watching, but have found myself not ready to blog about yet. Until now. The Office. Quite possibly my favorite "sitcom" of all time. If not my number one, then in my top 3 (subject to change based on mood). It is quite simply one of the funniest, most well written, and creative shows, as well as having a stellar cast. From top to bottom, every character can have me laughing. However with that said, the leaving of one character may forever change the landscape of the show. I hope it helps the show to move in a new direction, and doesn't cause harm. I have confidence that the show will continue it's success without Michael Scott. The writers are still in place as is the rest of the cast, so they should now be able to find their own way without the leadership of Steve Carrell.
Michael Scott will be going down as one of our favorite characters of all time. With his quick dim-witted nature, his characters that cause more harm then help, and always quick with a "That's what she said". He has taken the time to make us fall in love with a character that at times is sexiest, or intolerant, or prejudice. The only thing is, he doesn't do it out of a hurtful place, it is in fact the opposite. All of his moments of pure bad behavior come from a place that is pure of heart, and with the best intentions. Except for when it comes to Toby. But I guess we all may have that one person that just rubs us the wrong way.
No matter which way you slice it, what Steve Carrell brought to us through Michael Scott was joy. He was the funny guy that wants so much out of life without the full understanding of how to reach it. He gave us all the joy of journeying with him as he grew into a person that we won't just miss because of his humor, but, more so, because of his heart.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Been a While
I know it has been a while since I have last written a review or more like my opinion. So after taking some time for writing of another project, I am returning to write again. Hopefully I will be doing this at least once a week, and if I a really inspired then perhaps twice a week.
Over the course of my absence, I have been engrossed, with TV shows and movies. Ranging from Toy Story, to a show called Jeremiah. To catching up on The Event, to starting, The Chicago Code. It has been quite an array to watch. Some things have had me wanting more, while others have had me saying "what a waste of potential".
A show called Jeremiah, one that I had never heard of before stumbling upon it on Netflix, has been quite a surprise. A show that flew under the radar several years back, on Showtime. Set in the future world that has had "The Big Death" which killed anybody over the "age of innocence". Now with the children having grown up to rebuild our world, a world in which, all of our conviences are now a distant memory. Leaving these people to trade for resources from anything they can find. Batteries being such a hot comodity that people are willing to kill each other over them. A world in which a man with a doctor's bag, becomes the most important person, whether he is really capable of being a doctor or not.
The show stars Luke Perry and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and has guests such as Jake Busey, Sean Astin, and Jason Priestly. With these as your range of stars, I understand why it was under the radar, but that doesn't take away from me enjoying the show. In fact it may help. It may have helped me to apperciate this show more then I would have, had there been big names attached. I don't think it is the best show, but for what it is I think they did a good job.
Which leads me into The Event. Star power, not top tear. Storyline, a roller coaster of information. HYPE, through the roof! I was hoping for a show that was more like Flash Forward, which in my opinion, had such potential, and was prematurely cancelled. Instead, what was given to us, is a show that lacks any urgency, as well as any feeding me too little of what I want and too much of everything else. I want to know more about what is happening to these characters, and I am all for allowing them to explore, but it is just taking to long for me to get engrossed. I feel that it is just missing the mark. It is right there, but then it takes me away from what I want to happen. I'm not even sure what I am looking for exactly with this show, but I can tell you that I am just not getting it. I will keep watching, not for anything other then my own anticipation that I will suddenly find what I am looking for.
So now that I am back writing my blog again, I will soon be writing about some of the movies I have watched recently, such as, The Kids Are All Right, Animal Kingdom, Toy Story, and Winter's Bone. As well as some of the shows that I have been watching such as, The Cape, The Chicago Code, Mr. Sunshine, and Traffic Light, and maybe if Breakout Kings lasts that too.
I hope the my return was as anticipated as the return of The Event. I can only hope that I can give to you not what The Event has given me, but more of what Jeremiah has given to me. And If not maybe I'll land somewhere in between.
Over the course of my absence, I have been engrossed, with TV shows and movies. Ranging from Toy Story, to a show called Jeremiah. To catching up on The Event, to starting, The Chicago Code. It has been quite an array to watch. Some things have had me wanting more, while others have had me saying "what a waste of potential".
A show called Jeremiah, one that I had never heard of before stumbling upon it on Netflix, has been quite a surprise. A show that flew under the radar several years back, on Showtime. Set in the future world that has had "The Big Death" which killed anybody over the "age of innocence". Now with the children having grown up to rebuild our world, a world in which, all of our conviences are now a distant memory. Leaving these people to trade for resources from anything they can find. Batteries being such a hot comodity that people are willing to kill each other over them. A world in which a man with a doctor's bag, becomes the most important person, whether he is really capable of being a doctor or not.
The show stars Luke Perry and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and has guests such as Jake Busey, Sean Astin, and Jason Priestly. With these as your range of stars, I understand why it was under the radar, but that doesn't take away from me enjoying the show. In fact it may help. It may have helped me to apperciate this show more then I would have, had there been big names attached. I don't think it is the best show, but for what it is I think they did a good job.
Which leads me into The Event. Star power, not top tear. Storyline, a roller coaster of information. HYPE, through the roof! I was hoping for a show that was more like Flash Forward, which in my opinion, had such potential, and was prematurely cancelled. Instead, what was given to us, is a show that lacks any urgency, as well as any feeding me too little of what I want and too much of everything else. I want to know more about what is happening to these characters, and I am all for allowing them to explore, but it is just taking to long for me to get engrossed. I feel that it is just missing the mark. It is right there, but then it takes me away from what I want to happen. I'm not even sure what I am looking for exactly with this show, but I can tell you that I am just not getting it. I will keep watching, not for anything other then my own anticipation that I will suddenly find what I am looking for.
So now that I am back writing my blog again, I will soon be writing about some of the movies I have watched recently, such as, The Kids Are All Right, Animal Kingdom, Toy Story, and Winter's Bone. As well as some of the shows that I have been watching such as, The Cape, The Chicago Code, Mr. Sunshine, and Traffic Light, and maybe if Breakout Kings lasts that too.
I hope the my return was as anticipated as the return of The Event. I can only hope that I can give to you not what The Event has given me, but more of what Jeremiah has given to me. And If not maybe I'll land somewhere in between.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
F/X
I am realizing more and more these days that the smaller networks are really putting out some of the best work. I did a whole blog about AMC, which I am new to, but have somehow surpassed an old channel that I have been watching for several years. F/X. Plain and simple, what then hell was I thinking?! I have been enjoying quality programming on this channel since my wife first introduced me to Rescue Me (she was introduced by her sis). I am sorry to say this but I had just plain forgotten about this channel as I have been enamored with AMC, mostly, but with the whole fall lineup.
Since the end of Rescue Me's last season, I have been not tuning in to see what's next. Until recently it had just fallen off of my radar. Then suddenly I see a preview for a new show called Lights Out. A show about a boxer that has to retire, was all I new about it, as I only slightly paid attention to the commercials for it. I figured, boxing is interesting, so a show about boxing could have potential. I didn't watch it when it first aired, but thanks to my DVR, I was able to tune in on my time. I was not disappointed. It turned out to be a really good show. Now I have only seen one episode so I'm not going to give this show the Championship belt, but I will continue to tune in. The show is interesting, thus far, and the characters are very real. The main character is a very loving father and husband, and will do anything for his family. Leaves lots of room for plot points. He is struggling with his life, past, present, and future. He really wants things to work out, but at the moment he is stuck in neutral. I look forward to seeing him try to get his life back together.
Another show that I have enjoyed is Justified. Timpthy Olyphant brings Raylan Givens to life with a soft, yet powerful voice. He may tread quietly, but he never hesitates to take care of the bad guy. A lawman that is always looking to do the right thing but often getting mixed into something he shouldn't. Not breaking the law just losing his footing for a moment. Walton Googins brings an evil, yet surprisingly compassionate bad guy, not to mention former good buddy of Raylen, to a boil then lets him quietly simmer away, as he raises hell. To me there is something greatly rewarding watching the bad guy be dealt with in maybe not quite the proper manner, but always having it justified.
I cannot say that I have had the pleasure of watching some of the other shows that have aired on this network, such as The Shield, or Nip Tuck, but it is just a matter of time until I sink down into my couch and pull an all nighter on one or both of these shows. There is also Damages, which has earned nothing but rave reviews, for the most part. I intend to eventually catch up with this as well.
I have had the pleasure of watching It Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but not The League. I will continue to watch Rescue Me until it ends this coming year, and I will continue to follow Justified and Lights Out. I look forward to what F/X has in store for the future, even without knowing what it will be. This channel has definitely become one that I will continue to tune into. I think there is something special about F/X.
Since the end of Rescue Me's last season, I have been not tuning in to see what's next. Until recently it had just fallen off of my radar. Then suddenly I see a preview for a new show called Lights Out. A show about a boxer that has to retire, was all I new about it, as I only slightly paid attention to the commercials for it. I figured, boxing is interesting, so a show about boxing could have potential. I didn't watch it when it first aired, but thanks to my DVR, I was able to tune in on my time. I was not disappointed. It turned out to be a really good show. Now I have only seen one episode so I'm not going to give this show the Championship belt, but I will continue to tune in. The show is interesting, thus far, and the characters are very real. The main character is a very loving father and husband, and will do anything for his family. Leaves lots of room for plot points. He is struggling with his life, past, present, and future. He really wants things to work out, but at the moment he is stuck in neutral. I look forward to seeing him try to get his life back together.
Another show that I have enjoyed is Justified. Timpthy Olyphant brings Raylan Givens to life with a soft, yet powerful voice. He may tread quietly, but he never hesitates to take care of the bad guy. A lawman that is always looking to do the right thing but often getting mixed into something he shouldn't. Not breaking the law just losing his footing for a moment. Walton Googins brings an evil, yet surprisingly compassionate bad guy, not to mention former good buddy of Raylen, to a boil then lets him quietly simmer away, as he raises hell. To me there is something greatly rewarding watching the bad guy be dealt with in maybe not quite the proper manner, but always having it justified.
I cannot say that I have had the pleasure of watching some of the other shows that have aired on this network, such as The Shield, or Nip Tuck, but it is just a matter of time until I sink down into my couch and pull an all nighter on one or both of these shows. There is also Damages, which has earned nothing but rave reviews, for the most part. I intend to eventually catch up with this as well.
I have had the pleasure of watching It Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but not The League. I will continue to watch Rescue Me until it ends this coming year, and I will continue to follow Justified and Lights Out. I look forward to what F/X has in store for the future, even without knowing what it will be. This channel has definitely become one that I will continue to tune into. I think there is something special about F/X.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Sequels
Sequels are spawned every year. Sometimes one, sometimes several. Mostly in the horror genre, which I will leave out because those are a different type of monster. I love a good sequel, and will even goes as far to say I love a sequel, on occasion, more then the original. It's not often that is the case, but we should all be aware that it does happen. I myself have been known to even watch the sequels that are, most likely, destined to be sub-par. It doesn't mean I enjoy them all of the time, but if I was a fan of the original, then I will give it a try. Although that doesn't always seem to be the case, because I have also not watched a sequel even after enjoying the original, because I felt that there was nothing else for me. The story had been told and I don't need to see a plot that was developed just to make money.
Some sequels I choose not to watch, because they couldn't even retain the same actor(s) for the sequel. It doesn't always hurt, but sometimes it doesn't help. As an example of one that works, I will look at the sequel to Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal didn't retain Jodie Foster, but brought in the talented Julianne Moore. I know there was lots of time in between the movies, so perhaps they may have aided in why it work, and it didn't hurt the film either. I feel that Hannibal wasn't as good of a movie as Silence, but it was a good movie in it's own right. Did the missing Jodie Foster hurt? Not at all. Julianne Moore gave a fine performance as Clarice. She was the best choice to take over where Jodie Foster left off. What also helped Hannibal was the retention of Anthony Hopkins as the Hannibal Lecter. Had he been lost as well, then maybe nothing would have helped that movie. Thankfully we will never know.
As an example of a movie that lost itself completely I look to The Punisher: War Zone. An awful sequel, for numerous reasons, but one reason alone is the fact that Thomas Jane didn't reprise his role (I see why). I'm not saying that Ray Stevenson was a bad choice, it's simply that the movie was bad, and it lost all of what made me enjoy the Thomas Jane version. Had Ray Stevenson been the original choice (forget the Dolph Lundgren version) then maybe the second would have been OK instead of terrible. The second was a cheap knock off-of the first, as well as being a cheap knock-off of B movie gangsters. The only thing that made it watchable was the violence.
Sometimes there are movies that are set up to be trilogies, which I am fine with as long as the story can continue to move and grow, then, by all means, lets have more for me to enjoy. The Matrix was set up as a trilogy, but the latter two lost the same fire that made the first a phenomenon. I enjoyed the second two, but the first is head and shoulders above them. The original Matrix is a "stand alone" movie, however, I cannot say that for the latter two. Should it have been a trilogy? Yes because with that particular story there were many more stories that could have been told. I'm not sure that the latter two chose the best stories to tell, but the weren't the worst stories either. They could have been better, but they could have been worse. I think they Wachowski's lost what made the first so incredible story wise and just focused on what made it work visually.
Then there are the Lord Of The Rings movies, which are based off of books, so of course the trilogy was already there. I never read the books but I can tell that these were intended to be enjoyed in parts. Each part, however, is not really "stand alone" capable. Which is kind of interesting, but also what makes sure that they have to be enjoyed in parts to a whole. I don't think that these could have been any better then they were. I think they were done so well that each one outdoes the others in some ways. Because of that, my favorite of the three is incredibly hard for me to decide. I have a love for certain parts in each one that make me feel that particular movie is my favorite of the three. I can say that if they were not a trilogy and therefore one, I would have to say each was my favorite. Figure that out!
Then there are the Star Wars movies. I was reading an article and they were saying that they are still unsure if George Lucas had originally intended them to be a trilogy let alone to have SIX of them. Plus an animated Clone Wars. So perhaps box office success played a part. Nonetheless, I love the Star Wars movies. On my list of favorite movies of all time. This is an example of a sequel being better then the original. The Empire Strikes Back is a better movie then a New Hope. The story in Empire is the most mind-blowing of all the movies. The moment we learn the truth about Darth Vader is a moment that will live in cinema history forever. Return of the Jedi is also an admirable sequel. It brought great closure to the story, and maintained an element of anxiety, as to what will happen next. Then came the sequels, or the pre-quels. OK, look, I love Star Wars, but I do wish these ones were better then they were. They should have been, but George Lucas went a little too crazy trying to create worlds and scenery and forgot that what made the originals great was not just the amazing effects (for the time) as well as the amazing sets, but the fact that his story was hard hitting, and heartfelt, as well as intense, and endearing. The characters he created in the originals were, and will always be iconic. However his characters in the pre-quels were already iconic, but forgot that, leaving us trying to pick up the pieces of a broken C3P0. How do we piece it together to make us love it again?
Then there are the movies that had success at the Box Office, or maybe just happened to gain a cult following, so therefore being pushed into "sequel land" which can be very disappointing. Such as Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, or Speed 2: Cruise Control, or Oceans 12, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin, and I know there are many others. I can't be positive, but I believe that these sequels were made because the originals were able to have success. What a joke. How do you expect us to respect these movies when clearly they didn't respect us? In the Batman movies they couldn't even maintain the stars. Well, Chris O'Donnell really wanted to be Robin twice, and Joel Schumacher decided he didn't mess up Batman Forever enough he needed to really mess it up, so he decided that he would do Batman and Robin. Oceans 11 had an outstanding cast, which came back for Oceans 12, and was put together so well that it didn't need it to say "Look we are all really famous!". Oceans 12, however, did just the opposite. It said "You loved us before, now we don't really have anything to do, but remember how much you loved us?" And the result was just plain awful. A story that was stupid, and sad, and (insert negative here). All these movies do is remind us that, although a movie can have success doesn't mean we should just make a movie for the sake of it.
My overall point is simple. A good sequel shouldn't be that hard to do if you stay true to what brought you there in the first place. In the near future we will have sequels to Avatar, and The Hangover. They both may turn out great, but chances are that with one seemingly having told it's story, and the other with a story that could still grow, we may be looking at another installment to a trilogy and one that is saying "more money please". So as sequels continue to happen, look for my sequel to this in the future, as this may just be a story that has more to tell.
Some sequels I choose not to watch, because they couldn't even retain the same actor(s) for the sequel. It doesn't always hurt, but sometimes it doesn't help. As an example of one that works, I will look at the sequel to Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal didn't retain Jodie Foster, but brought in the talented Julianne Moore. I know there was lots of time in between the movies, so perhaps they may have aided in why it work, and it didn't hurt the film either. I feel that Hannibal wasn't as good of a movie as Silence, but it was a good movie in it's own right. Did the missing Jodie Foster hurt? Not at all. Julianne Moore gave a fine performance as Clarice. She was the best choice to take over where Jodie Foster left off. What also helped Hannibal was the retention of Anthony Hopkins as the Hannibal Lecter. Had he been lost as well, then maybe nothing would have helped that movie. Thankfully we will never know.
As an example of a movie that lost itself completely I look to The Punisher: War Zone. An awful sequel, for numerous reasons, but one reason alone is the fact that Thomas Jane didn't reprise his role (I see why). I'm not saying that Ray Stevenson was a bad choice, it's simply that the movie was bad, and it lost all of what made me enjoy the Thomas Jane version. Had Ray Stevenson been the original choice (forget the Dolph Lundgren version) then maybe the second would have been OK instead of terrible. The second was a cheap knock off-of the first, as well as being a cheap knock-off of B movie gangsters. The only thing that made it watchable was the violence.
Sometimes there are movies that are set up to be trilogies, which I am fine with as long as the story can continue to move and grow, then, by all means, lets have more for me to enjoy. The Matrix was set up as a trilogy, but the latter two lost the same fire that made the first a phenomenon. I enjoyed the second two, but the first is head and shoulders above them. The original Matrix is a "stand alone" movie, however, I cannot say that for the latter two. Should it have been a trilogy? Yes because with that particular story there were many more stories that could have been told. I'm not sure that the latter two chose the best stories to tell, but the weren't the worst stories either. They could have been better, but they could have been worse. I think they Wachowski's lost what made the first so incredible story wise and just focused on what made it work visually.
Then there are the Lord Of The Rings movies, which are based off of books, so of course the trilogy was already there. I never read the books but I can tell that these were intended to be enjoyed in parts. Each part, however, is not really "stand alone" capable. Which is kind of interesting, but also what makes sure that they have to be enjoyed in parts to a whole. I don't think that these could have been any better then they were. I think they were done so well that each one outdoes the others in some ways. Because of that, my favorite of the three is incredibly hard for me to decide. I have a love for certain parts in each one that make me feel that particular movie is my favorite of the three. I can say that if they were not a trilogy and therefore one, I would have to say each was my favorite. Figure that out!
Then there are the Star Wars movies. I was reading an article and they were saying that they are still unsure if George Lucas had originally intended them to be a trilogy let alone to have SIX of them. Plus an animated Clone Wars. So perhaps box office success played a part. Nonetheless, I love the Star Wars movies. On my list of favorite movies of all time. This is an example of a sequel being better then the original. The Empire Strikes Back is a better movie then a New Hope. The story in Empire is the most mind-blowing of all the movies. The moment we learn the truth about Darth Vader is a moment that will live in cinema history forever. Return of the Jedi is also an admirable sequel. It brought great closure to the story, and maintained an element of anxiety, as to what will happen next. Then came the sequels, or the pre-quels. OK, look, I love Star Wars, but I do wish these ones were better then they were. They should have been, but George Lucas went a little too crazy trying to create worlds and scenery and forgot that what made the originals great was not just the amazing effects (for the time) as well as the amazing sets, but the fact that his story was hard hitting, and heartfelt, as well as intense, and endearing. The characters he created in the originals were, and will always be iconic. However his characters in the pre-quels were already iconic, but forgot that, leaving us trying to pick up the pieces of a broken C3P0. How do we piece it together to make us love it again?
Then there are the movies that had success at the Box Office, or maybe just happened to gain a cult following, so therefore being pushed into "sequel land" which can be very disappointing. Such as Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, or Speed 2: Cruise Control, or Oceans 12, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin, and I know there are many others. I can't be positive, but I believe that these sequels were made because the originals were able to have success. What a joke. How do you expect us to respect these movies when clearly they didn't respect us? In the Batman movies they couldn't even maintain the stars. Well, Chris O'Donnell really wanted to be Robin twice, and Joel Schumacher decided he didn't mess up Batman Forever enough he needed to really mess it up, so he decided that he would do Batman and Robin. Oceans 11 had an outstanding cast, which came back for Oceans 12, and was put together so well that it didn't need it to say "Look we are all really famous!". Oceans 12, however, did just the opposite. It said "You loved us before, now we don't really have anything to do, but remember how much you loved us?" And the result was just plain awful. A story that was stupid, and sad, and (insert negative here). All these movies do is remind us that, although a movie can have success doesn't mean we should just make a movie for the sake of it.
My overall point is simple. A good sequel shouldn't be that hard to do if you stay true to what brought you there in the first place. In the near future we will have sequels to Avatar, and The Hangover. They both may turn out great, but chances are that with one seemingly having told it's story, and the other with a story that could still grow, we may be looking at another installment to a trilogy and one that is saying "more money please". So as sequels continue to happen, look for my sequel to this in the future, as this may just be a story that has more to tell.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Movies
It's Christmas time, so I have decided to write this blog about Christmas movies. I am not including TV specials here. Strictly movies. For many years Christmas movies were always put out at this time of year. However over the past couple of years they have been decreasing in number of movies as well as quality of the movies themselves. Over the passed couple of years Hollywood has decided to release all of their Oscar movies this time of year. I'm OK with that because I love movies, so its fine as long as they keep releasing movies, but is it so hard to to have a good Christmas movie in there too. Maybe one so good that it too could possible be an Oscar contender. Especially with the fact that now there are 10 possible Best Picture spots.
Now I am a HUGE Christmas fan. I love this time of year. Everything about it. The lights, the family, the presents, the music, and especially the movies. So why is it that recently the movies have been decreasing in quality. I mean it should be easy, but people are having a hard time creating something original and entertaining.
Christmas with the Kranks, Four Christmases, The Family Stone, Surviving Christmas, This Christmas, Fred Claus, Deck the Halls, A Christmas Carol, Bad Santa, and possibly some others that I haven't mentioned, have all been released within the past 6 years. I haven't had the pleasure to see them all, but the ones that I have seen have been at best good (Bad Santa is the best and better then good, however not a family one so going to have to keep it out), and at worst, why did they bother. (I haven't seen A Christmas Carol, so that movie is not included in my discussion.) This year there is The Nutcracker, which is getting bad reviews and nobody is really going to the theater to see it. Have we lost touch with how to make a good Christmas movie so quickly?
In 2003 we had one of the best Christmas movies that I have seen and one that has become a staple of the Christmas season to me in Elf. It had everything that you need in a good Christmas movie, somebody who truly believes, a "bad guy", lots of laughs, and a fun and original way to tell the story. The others that I named have been so-so in doing these things. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed some of them, even own a couple, but some of the others, I wonder why they just plain stunk.
I own many of the classics, but not all. I make a point to watch a new one or more every year as well, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to enjoy the new ones like I do the classics. Heartwarming story, nothing beats It's A Wonderful Life. Hilarious, nothing beats Christmas Vacation. Adult version, nothing beats Bad Santa. Family, nothing beats Elf. Story, nothing beats A Christmas Carol. Re-watchabilty, pretty much all of these and add in things like The Family Man, Eight Crazy Nights, Scrooged, A Christmas Story, A Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas (I'm sure I missed some good ones here but hard to remember all of them). I'm not going to say that all of these are great but they are all good, and some are great and beyond. Some of the stories have been recycled, and redone so many times, you forget what the original story is. In some cases the story has been improved, some just reworked to be made more relatable for today's audience. I don't mind this as long as they do a good job. It just seems that it is becoming hard to be original with a Christmas movie.
It really isn't the most difficult genre to tackle. People are constantly making new movies in every other genre, I mean how many horror movies are there? I don't want there to be dozens a year, but one good one a year isn't a lot to ask. I guess if Hollywood can't do it, I could always ask Santa.
Now I am a HUGE Christmas fan. I love this time of year. Everything about it. The lights, the family, the presents, the music, and especially the movies. So why is it that recently the movies have been decreasing in quality. I mean it should be easy, but people are having a hard time creating something original and entertaining.
Christmas with the Kranks, Four Christmases, The Family Stone, Surviving Christmas, This Christmas, Fred Claus, Deck the Halls, A Christmas Carol, Bad Santa, and possibly some others that I haven't mentioned, have all been released within the past 6 years. I haven't had the pleasure to see them all, but the ones that I have seen have been at best good (Bad Santa is the best and better then good, however not a family one so going to have to keep it out), and at worst, why did they bother. (I haven't seen A Christmas Carol, so that movie is not included in my discussion.) This year there is The Nutcracker, which is getting bad reviews and nobody is really going to the theater to see it. Have we lost touch with how to make a good Christmas movie so quickly?
In 2003 we had one of the best Christmas movies that I have seen and one that has become a staple of the Christmas season to me in Elf. It had everything that you need in a good Christmas movie, somebody who truly believes, a "bad guy", lots of laughs, and a fun and original way to tell the story. The others that I named have been so-so in doing these things. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed some of them, even own a couple, but some of the others, I wonder why they just plain stunk.
I own many of the classics, but not all. I make a point to watch a new one or more every year as well, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to enjoy the new ones like I do the classics. Heartwarming story, nothing beats It's A Wonderful Life. Hilarious, nothing beats Christmas Vacation. Adult version, nothing beats Bad Santa. Family, nothing beats Elf. Story, nothing beats A Christmas Carol. Re-watchabilty, pretty much all of these and add in things like The Family Man, Eight Crazy Nights, Scrooged, A Christmas Story, A Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas (I'm sure I missed some good ones here but hard to remember all of them). I'm not going to say that all of these are great but they are all good, and some are great and beyond. Some of the stories have been recycled, and redone so many times, you forget what the original story is. In some cases the story has been improved, some just reworked to be made more relatable for today's audience. I don't mind this as long as they do a good job. It just seems that it is becoming hard to be original with a Christmas movie.
It really isn't the most difficult genre to tackle. People are constantly making new movies in every other genre, I mean how many horror movies are there? I don't want there to be dozens a year, but one good one a year isn't a lot to ask. I guess if Hollywood can't do it, I could always ask Santa.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
AMC
A channel that used to be known for just playing movies, has suddenly become the channel that constantly puts out the best programming. For me it started with The Walking Dead. For others it started with Mad Men, or maybe Breaking Bad. All I can say is that I am new to this channel, but am extremely happy with what I have seen to this point.
The Walking Dead has proven to be my favorite new show on TV with only 6 episodes under it's belt. With no new episodes to debut until next October, they were able to reel me in. I am not the only one either. Mad Men has won numerous Emmys and so has Breaking Bad, yet the highest watched show is The Walking Dead. What? That's crazy! It has also just received a Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Series Drama. Let me state again that this is only after SIX (6) episodes. Wow pretty impressive. I certainly hope that all the time off that this show will take doesn't hurt it in any way. My hope is that it makes it stronger. Hopefully AMC will re air the episodes later on to hook people after the awards seasons have come and gone. So that when the new season airs in October there will be that many more people waiting in anticipation of what will happen next.
But this is not just about The Walking Dead. This is about AMC. I can say that now I cannot wait to start watching Mad Men. That's correct I have such high praise for AMC and haven't even started Mad Men! The thing is, it gets all sorts of praise from the real critics that I know its a great show. I will watch it ASAP. I can say that I don't need the critics to tell me, but in this case it's not just the critics that say this. It's anybody that has seen the show. Anybody that I have talked with tells me how much I would love the show and how much they love it already. To them I say, I'm sorry I haven't seen it yet but I will. And I will.
The final show that AMC is known for now is Breaking Bad. I literally just started to watch this show and already cannot wait to finish watching it. Quite a boundary pushing show. I am only an episode into it, but I can already say that so far I "like it a lot" (Forrest Gump quote). Bryan Cranston's character is a very relatable character. Whether you agree with what he is doing or not, you can understand the importance and the need that his character is experiencing. I can't say much about this show as I am just a newcomer to it, but I can say that it will have me coming back for more.
AMC has put out three great shows, which is not much when compared to the major networks, but these three shows may be just enough to propel this channel into a major competitor. The shows that I have seen on AMC are risky, and edgy, but never, so far, do they seem over the top. Besides the whole zombie thing. It's the characters that make it real. The situations in which the characters must work are not everyday situations, but these are everyday people. That's what I love about what I have seen. The boundaries are being pushed, and the ideas are new and fresh. I certainly hope that AMC can continue on in this way. I will continue to tune in, as long as they continue to put out quality. If they can, then they can consider me an avid watcher of their channel.
The Walking Dead has proven to be my favorite new show on TV with only 6 episodes under it's belt. With no new episodes to debut until next October, they were able to reel me in. I am not the only one either. Mad Men has won numerous Emmys and so has Breaking Bad, yet the highest watched show is The Walking Dead. What? That's crazy! It has also just received a Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Series Drama. Let me state again that this is only after SIX (6) episodes. Wow pretty impressive. I certainly hope that all the time off that this show will take doesn't hurt it in any way. My hope is that it makes it stronger. Hopefully AMC will re air the episodes later on to hook people after the awards seasons have come and gone. So that when the new season airs in October there will be that many more people waiting in anticipation of what will happen next.
But this is not just about The Walking Dead. This is about AMC. I can say that now I cannot wait to start watching Mad Men. That's correct I have such high praise for AMC and haven't even started Mad Men! The thing is, it gets all sorts of praise from the real critics that I know its a great show. I will watch it ASAP. I can say that I don't need the critics to tell me, but in this case it's not just the critics that say this. It's anybody that has seen the show. Anybody that I have talked with tells me how much I would love the show and how much they love it already. To them I say, I'm sorry I haven't seen it yet but I will. And I will.
The final show that AMC is known for now is Breaking Bad. I literally just started to watch this show and already cannot wait to finish watching it. Quite a boundary pushing show. I am only an episode into it, but I can already say that so far I "like it a lot" (Forrest Gump quote). Bryan Cranston's character is a very relatable character. Whether you agree with what he is doing or not, you can understand the importance and the need that his character is experiencing. I can't say much about this show as I am just a newcomer to it, but I can say that it will have me coming back for more.
AMC has put out three great shows, which is not much when compared to the major networks, but these three shows may be just enough to propel this channel into a major competitor. The shows that I have seen on AMC are risky, and edgy, but never, so far, do they seem over the top. Besides the whole zombie thing. It's the characters that make it real. The situations in which the characters must work are not everyday situations, but these are everyday people. That's what I love about what I have seen. The boundaries are being pushed, and the ideas are new and fresh. I certainly hope that AMC can continue on in this way. I will continue to tune in, as long as they continue to put out quality. If they can, then they can consider me an avid watcher of their channel.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Cop Shows
I can't say that I've ever really been a fan of cop shows. I'm not against them, (which you'll find out) but I just have not been a avid watcher of them. I might have something to do with me being a big fan of the story that has a continuous plot. The carry over from week to week is what makes me want to watch more. It's not the only show type that I enjoy, but typically one that I am more prone to watch. I would describe it as I like a show that stands alone each episode, but nothing peaks my interest like a show that will leave me wanting more each week. Most cop shows use the case by case basis. I can tolerate it, but I would feel better if there were more of a roll-over effect.
Now having said all of that I have been enjoying some of the new cop shows that have been on. Over the summer there was Rookie Blue, now there are Law and Order LA, as well as Blue Bloods and Detroit 187. I watched Rookie Blue, and I currently watch Blue Bloods, and Detroit 187. Never have I been into the Law and Orders, even though with the new one I really am a fan of some of the cast members. I just haven't given it a chance. Not that I wouldn't I just haven't. Consequently, I have given a chance to the others that I have named and not because of the star power. I really don't have a good reason as to why I suddenly jumped on board, but I am now on board and so far I have been pretty happy.
Rookie Blue was enjoyable. I would say it was my least favorite of the cop shows that I have been watching, but it was not bad. Some interesting characters, as well as cases. There were a couple cases that were excellent, and my have been the thing to put me onto future cop shows. I also was a fan of growing with the rookie cops. It gave me that sense of importance for next weeks episode, because you really wanted to see if these rookies could actually handle what they had started. There were minor plot points that made it intense for me, but I would by no means ever say that they were so mind bending that I had to let out an audible exclamation. Nevertheless I stayed true to the show and watched it through to the conclusion of the season. Will I watch again if it appears next summer? Sure why not, I think it could warrant the DVRing of episodes to watch at my leisure.
There is really one thing that made me watch Blue Bloods. I can't say it was Tom Selleck. It was none other then the former NKOTB member, Donnie Wahlberg. What? That's probably what is going through your mind at the moment, but let me remind you of some other work of his. He was extraordinary in The Sixth Sense, he did and exceptional job in Saw 2, and he was amazing in a show, which I think was unfortunately overlooked, The Kill Point. In the latter two he played a cop so, I knew he would be able to do that again. So it was intriguing for me because I wanted to see how he would do in a much more mainstream role. And he hasn't disappointed. Most of the viewers probably don't tune in for that reason, and it's not the only reason I come back, but it was the reason I showed up in the first place. Then it happened to be a good show. It has good story lines for the most part, not a big fan of the whole "Blue Templar" angle, but we'll see how that plays out. I have found interest in the generational aspects of the show, as well as just the whole family dynamics that they portray. Having no knowledge of this in the real world, I couldn't tell you if it is accurate or not, but that doesn't distract me. In fact, in brings me back. I want to see how the family relationships will grow and change. As for the actual cases, there have been one or two that really made an impression, but not as many as I would have hoped for.
The number of reasons for watching Detroit 187 in the first place are not overwhelming, but they still reeled me in. Michael Imperioli being one, and the gritty, realistic style in which it is filmed being another. OK so only two reasons in the start, but there have been many reasons for me to continually tune in. The characters in this show all seem like real people. All people that you could know in your everyday life. I feel that the are all relatable, with relatable problems. Except for Michael Imperioli's Detective Fitch. BUT that is part of the point. Which really pulls on the right strings for me. We don't know much about him, just like his partner. We want the information and are only spoon fed a little at a time so as to not get full. I really admire that. Instead of a cop wearing everything out on their sleeve, we really can't figure out why we either like or hate him. I myself love that. Don't slap me in the face with his life, let it unfold in front of me. It makes for more involved viewing.
watch, but I would say that they are hard to tell. It's not that there are so many twists to them, it's just that they seem to tackle things that are more on the edge. Maybe that's not so. Maybe it's just that they do it in a more in your face way.
I stated that I haven't really been into cop shows, but these new ones have had me possibly changing my mind. The ones that came before could be way better and that's fine. I'm just stating that I my self haven't given them the chance. Now that I am with the new cop shows, I have not been disappointed, and will continue to tune in. Maybe these have paved the way for me to watch the ones that I have been missing thus far. Time will tell.
Now having said all of that I have been enjoying some of the new cop shows that have been on. Over the summer there was Rookie Blue, now there are Law and Order LA, as well as Blue Bloods and Detroit 187. I watched Rookie Blue, and I currently watch Blue Bloods, and Detroit 187. Never have I been into the Law and Orders, even though with the new one I really am a fan of some of the cast members. I just haven't given it a chance. Not that I wouldn't I just haven't. Consequently, I have given a chance to the others that I have named and not because of the star power. I really don't have a good reason as to why I suddenly jumped on board, but I am now on board and so far I have been pretty happy.
Rookie Blue was enjoyable. I would say it was my least favorite of the cop shows that I have been watching, but it was not bad. Some interesting characters, as well as cases. There were a couple cases that were excellent, and my have been the thing to put me onto future cop shows. I also was a fan of growing with the rookie cops. It gave me that sense of importance for next weeks episode, because you really wanted to see if these rookies could actually handle what they had started. There were minor plot points that made it intense for me, but I would by no means ever say that they were so mind bending that I had to let out an audible exclamation. Nevertheless I stayed true to the show and watched it through to the conclusion of the season. Will I watch again if it appears next summer? Sure why not, I think it could warrant the DVRing of episodes to watch at my leisure.
There is really one thing that made me watch Blue Bloods. I can't say it was Tom Selleck. It was none other then the former NKOTB member, Donnie Wahlberg. What? That's probably what is going through your mind at the moment, but let me remind you of some other work of his. He was extraordinary in The Sixth Sense, he did and exceptional job in Saw 2, and he was amazing in a show, which I think was unfortunately overlooked, The Kill Point. In the latter two he played a cop so, I knew he would be able to do that again. So it was intriguing for me because I wanted to see how he would do in a much more mainstream role. And he hasn't disappointed. Most of the viewers probably don't tune in for that reason, and it's not the only reason I come back, but it was the reason I showed up in the first place. Then it happened to be a good show. It has good story lines for the most part, not a big fan of the whole "Blue Templar" angle, but we'll see how that plays out. I have found interest in the generational aspects of the show, as well as just the whole family dynamics that they portray. Having no knowledge of this in the real world, I couldn't tell you if it is accurate or not, but that doesn't distract me. In fact, in brings me back. I want to see how the family relationships will grow and change. As for the actual cases, there have been one or two that really made an impression, but not as many as I would have hoped for.
The number of reasons for watching Detroit 187 in the first place are not overwhelming, but they still reeled me in. Michael Imperioli being one, and the gritty, realistic style in which it is filmed being another. OK so only two reasons in the start, but there have been many reasons for me to continually tune in. The characters in this show all seem like real people. All people that you could know in your everyday life. I feel that the are all relatable, with relatable problems. Except for Michael Imperioli's Detective Fitch. BUT that is part of the point. Which really pulls on the right strings for me. We don't know much about him, just like his partner. We want the information and are only spoon fed a little at a time so as to not get full. I really admire that. Instead of a cop wearing everything out on their sleeve, we really can't figure out why we either like or hate him. I myself love that. Don't slap me in the face with his life, let it unfold in front of me. It makes for more involved viewing.
watch, but I would say that they are hard to tell. It's not that there are so many twists to them, it's just that they seem to tackle things that are more on the edge. Maybe that's not so. Maybe it's just that they do it in a more in your face way.
I stated that I haven't really been into cop shows, but these new ones have had me possibly changing my mind. The ones that came before could be way better and that's fine. I'm just stating that I my self haven't given them the chance. Now that I am with the new cop shows, I have not been disappointed, and will continue to tune in. Maybe these have paved the way for me to watch the ones that I have been missing thus far. Time will tell.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Super Heroes
As I write I would like to say first that you remember I am not a critic. I don't write because somebody pays me to (although that would be nice). I write because I think that sometimes I might actually have something interesting that I would like to share. I don't write to feel empowered, by putting things, or people down. That is not my idea of what people need to read about. There is enough problems with people in their everyday lives that they don't need to read me putting things down. I write because, like all people, I have an opinion on a particular subject. My views and reviews are mine to share and just like me you will have an opinion on what I write. You will agree, disagree, or be indifferent. Perhaps, though, my views and reviews will put you onto something that wasn't there before. Enough preaching on to the blog.
I have been watching the show "No Ordinary Family, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoy it. It has fun characters, interesting plot points, and of course super powers. I am a huge fan of superhero movies, TV, shows, and if I read more of them I'm sure I would love comic books. OK back to the show. I watch the show without expectations of it having to live up to a show like Heroes, or a movie like The Dark Knight. Instead I watch it like I am watching a live action Incredibles. A family based show that happens to have a superhero twist.
The show has not "wowed" me, it has not made me say "This is the best show on TV", but what it has done is given me a chance to see a superhero every week. I wouldn't say that it has me saying that I don't need anymore superhero movies, but it does have me saying that every time I watch, I really enjoy. It's just plain good old fashioned fun, to see a show that is geared toward real family problems, with a super spin. The show could use some work, but what show couldn't?
There is nothing quite like it on TV right now. It's fun to watch in a world of Law and Order's, The Whole Truth's, The Defender's, Blue Bloods, Detroit 187's. Some of these shows I actually watch. But sometimes I don't want to see a cops and robbers, I want to see a good versus evil. That's all it is. Every superhero story is that same battle. But in a world of superheroes without real family life ie. Iron Man, The Dark Knight, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, it is fun too see how all this would be different if it was a family that had to deal with the same types of super villains.
As an enormous fan of Unbreakable (quite possibly my favorite superhero movie of all time) I have enjoyed watching the personal struggles of people that are trying to deal with the sudden burden of super powers. Now all movies have a touch of such things, but they don't really have the chance, or ability too. You can only cram so much into a two and a half hour movie. Luckily for No Ordinary Family, they have the chance to develop the family on a weekly basis. If it were just a family show my interest would be minimal, but you throw in superpowers and I'm willing to give it a chance.
I would say that despite it not being a show that has floored me every week, it has had the decency to at least make me interested enough to watch the following week. I don't know how long it will last, and I really don't care. Because right now, I look forward to watching No Ordinary Family, as they struggle to be an ordinary family every week.
I have been watching the show "No Ordinary Family, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoy it. It has fun characters, interesting plot points, and of course super powers. I am a huge fan of superhero movies, TV, shows, and if I read more of them I'm sure I would love comic books. OK back to the show. I watch the show without expectations of it having to live up to a show like Heroes, or a movie like The Dark Knight. Instead I watch it like I am watching a live action Incredibles. A family based show that happens to have a superhero twist.
The show has not "wowed" me, it has not made me say "This is the best show on TV", but what it has done is given me a chance to see a superhero every week. I wouldn't say that it has me saying that I don't need anymore superhero movies, but it does have me saying that every time I watch, I really enjoy. It's just plain good old fashioned fun, to see a show that is geared toward real family problems, with a super spin. The show could use some work, but what show couldn't?
There is nothing quite like it on TV right now. It's fun to watch in a world of Law and Order's, The Whole Truth's, The Defender's, Blue Bloods, Detroit 187's. Some of these shows I actually watch. But sometimes I don't want to see a cops and robbers, I want to see a good versus evil. That's all it is. Every superhero story is that same battle. But in a world of superheroes without real family life ie. Iron Man, The Dark Knight, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, it is fun too see how all this would be different if it was a family that had to deal with the same types of super villains.
As an enormous fan of Unbreakable (quite possibly my favorite superhero movie of all time) I have enjoyed watching the personal struggles of people that are trying to deal with the sudden burden of super powers. Now all movies have a touch of such things, but they don't really have the chance, or ability too. You can only cram so much into a two and a half hour movie. Luckily for No Ordinary Family, they have the chance to develop the family on a weekly basis. If it were just a family show my interest would be minimal, but you throw in superpowers and I'm willing to give it a chance.
I would say that despite it not being a show that has floored me every week, it has had the decency to at least make me interested enough to watch the following week. I don't know how long it will last, and I really don't care. Because right now, I look forward to watching No Ordinary Family, as they struggle to be an ordinary family every week.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Bruno Vs. Borat
OK so not really a battle, but none the less an entertaining comparison to be made. Personally I feel that Borat was the more entertaining of the two, as well as just overall a better movie. Now that could be due to Borat coming out first, but it still stands to be the way I feel. Having not ever really watched Da Ali G show, I cannot claim that I had a connection with these characters prior to their respective movies. So my like is on first time shock and awe value, as well as pure laugh ratio, and all around enjoyment.
They both did an excellent job of making you feel uncomfortable both as the viewer, and for the unfortunate souls that ended up being the butt of the joke. Both did a wonderful job of tackling the issues of pointing out the things that make us, as a country, not always look like the most intelligent country that we claim we are. Now I'm not saying that we are stupid, but I am saying there are some things we, as Americans, feel that we know are the right things to do, and that we know what should be done. That is clearly pointed out to be not true in both movies. And finally, they both do an incredible job of putting the title character into the worst possible situation, where at times you feel that they may not make it out alive.
Now where I feel the differ is simply Borat was funnier, and since it was the first to use the uncomfortable situation, it to is the better of the two. Scenes for both had a similar feel, and I find myself comparing them whether it is what one should do or not. I feel that the comparisons are there and are ours for the making. Not that they should be compared, but when you have such similarities one cannot help themselves in making said comparison.
What does all of this mean? All it means is that I enjoyed both of the movies, but that Borat wins the battle by a slight margin.
They both did an excellent job of making you feel uncomfortable both as the viewer, and for the unfortunate souls that ended up being the butt of the joke. Both did a wonderful job of tackling the issues of pointing out the things that make us, as a country, not always look like the most intelligent country that we claim we are. Now I'm not saying that we are stupid, but I am saying there are some things we, as Americans, feel that we know are the right things to do, and that we know what should be done. That is clearly pointed out to be not true in both movies. And finally, they both do an incredible job of putting the title character into the worst possible situation, where at times you feel that they may not make it out alive.
Now where I feel the differ is simply Borat was funnier, and since it was the first to use the uncomfortable situation, it to is the better of the two. Scenes for both had a similar feel, and I find myself comparing them whether it is what one should do or not. I feel that the comparisons are there and are ours for the making. Not that they should be compared, but when you have such similarities one cannot help themselves in making said comparison.
What does all of this mean? All it means is that I enjoyed both of the movies, but that Borat wins the battle by a slight margin.
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