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ShawnDoe
Reviews
Iron Chef America: Battle of the Masters (2004)
Definitely worth watching - needs just a little tweaking...
I really loved the original Iron Chef. It came as quite a shock and a disappointment for me to discover that it had stopped airing in 1999. The show really wrapped up very well and ended on an incredible high note. (Seems that someone there knew when to quit while they were ahead, unlike many American shows that go way past best their "best before" dates).
Iron Chef America: Battle of the Masters is a very good attempt to capture the spirit, aura and just plain good watching that the original Iron Chef had. Watching these cooks put together mouth-watering dishes that look so sumptuous that one can *almost* smell them from the t.v., many of which are totally original AND do it all in an hour is truly amazing.
Special mention must be given to Alton Brown. He is very knowledgeable, lending all sorts of interesting information, facts and trivia to his very entertaining commentary. In short, he is PERFECT for this show.
However, there are a few differences from the original that I do miss. I do miss having a panel of commentators (i.e. original Iron Chef) which I think could be a good foil or sounding board for Alton Brown, but that's okay because he really is THAT good. I also miss the introductions given to the chefs, which briefly outline their culinary experience before each battle. It really adds to the atmosphere (like introducing boxers before a match) and attests to the experience of each chef.
I also found that the new chefs, in some cases, depended too much on their assistants. Some of their assistants are very accomplished chefs in their own right, and in some cases, it looked like the assistants cooked ENTIRE dishes on their own! That seems to me to be a little unfair since it's suppose to the Iron Chef who is suppose to be making the dishes and doing all the neat things. They also modified the rules, requiring the chefs to make exactly five dishes. I think this modification is unnecessary and takes away from the chefs flexibility. I mean, what if he/she wants to create just 3 REALLY good dishes instead of 5 mediocre ones? It should be the best the chefs can do with 1 hour, whether that is 1 dish or 10 dishes - at least, in my opinion.
Finally, perhaps it is just my opinion, but I found the judging to be a little unfair. Perhaps unfair is too strong a word - unknowingly biased?. I just felt that many of the judges were unfamiliar with more exotic or unfamiliar foods, and hence marked them more harshly. Basically, there were higher scores for more typical American style dishes. I realize it's hard to judge "taste" objectively. I'd probably find "Americanized" dishes tastier just because it's what I'm use to. Thus when judging "taste", its only inevitable that one would score familiar dishes better. The only way I could think of to fix this is to get better judges - judges with more eclectic tastes.
In summary, an excellent, excellent start. A jewel in 21st century television and fresh comeback of an old idea. Like any new show, it needs a little tweaking. However, I am anxiously awaiting new episodes.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Good movie, except it's not quite the Two Towers
I've been reading the previous reviews of this movie and I was quite fascinated to find such varying comments and opinions. But, after (buying) watching this movie, I think I understand...
If we ignore the fact that this movie was adapted from a book, and focus solely on it's merits as a movie - then I would say that it was excellent. The special effects, the battle scenes, the acting was all very good. Even the story, compared to the trash that's been produced recently (American Wedding, T3, Spiderman, Dare Devil, STAR TREK NEMESIS, STAR WARS II) was good. I would say there is very little out there in the fantasy genre that is better than this.
However, this movie IS based on a book - A VERY GOOD BOOK. Changes that vary from the book ache that much more. More importantly, many changes that were made were extremely "Hollywood". A little more action, more special effects at the cost of a shallower, less fulfilling story. The story was simplified, altered for no reason other than to try to fit in a few more obligatory "dramatic" scenes that were cliche, un-original. It cheapened the story. And for those of us who have read the book, such departures are like a slap in the face. And missing scenes serve to heighten our disappointment.
So... a good movie but not nearly as good as it COULD'VE (should've?) been. Worth a matinee watching, worth buying the DVD - BUT READ THE BOOK!
The Patriot (2000)
Pure American Propaganda, DO NOT show on the history channel - but fun to watch...
Well... let me start with the bad stuff because this is really important. This movie is pure American propaganda. It is so over the top, so overly dramatic, so filled with chessey, cliche American SUPERIORITY to be almost humorous. This is one heck of an American feel-good, American ego stroking movie - so much so that it is almost shameful. But, the movie is set NOT in a fantasy world, but in a historical context. And that is what worries me the worst. I fear that many will watch this movie and take it for fact. Because this movie, like so many other movies, serves to portray Americans as noble, perfect, brave and GOOD (and everyone else as BAD) beyond belief. Bottom-line, I fear this movie promotes more American egotism, more "we are better than everyone else" when, frankly, it's not true. And in this case, it paints a very one-sided, black-and-white view of an important event in American history.
Not to say Americans are evil, just that they are like everyone else. Instead of American = good and English = evil, this movie should have portrayed English and Americans just both looking after their own interests, and shown individuals on both sides running the entire spectrum of good and evil. Superiority is a dangerous attitude for ANYONE to adopt.
But, as a movie, as an action flick, disregarding it's social impact or departure from history... what can I say, I enjoyed it. The idea that one man can make a difference; the idea of fighting for the freedom of ones country against an overwhelming, ruthless, uncaring enemy; the idea of the underdog winning; the idea of everyone getting whats coming to them. These are all ideals that I love to watch. I just wish that we would search history for the right story to tell instead of REWRITING history to suit our story. So, enjoy this movie for what it is...
*** FICTION!!! ***
Enterprise (2001)
I hope this series is nothing more than one big dream sequence...
I am a trekkie, I have watched every episode from every series and every movie. Heck, I've even seen a bunch of their cartoons (80's) and read a score of their books and comics AND played their video-games. And I can say without hesitation... ...this series is just TERRIBLE!!!
I could write volumes about why this series is such a disgrace. But to keep this review under three thousand pages...
The storylines are contrived, unbelievable, lack continuity (connection from one episode to another), pointless and stupid. And I mean stupid, because the conflict or the premise for entire episodes often hinge on the characters doing stupid things! And I don't mean "naive" - I mean contrary to common-sense, not even a two-year-old would do that - STUPID!
The characters are poorly acted - though I can't fault the actors - because their lines are so cheesey and out of character that not even the best actors could make them work. And the constant use of "skin" throughout this series (rubbing "decontamination gel" on each other, oh please) is just plain insulting! Hey, I like women as much as the next guy - but if I want scantily clad people thrown in my face with the subtlety of a bowling ball - Baywatch does a much better job.
And don't get me started on how this series constantly contradicts the other Star Trek series almost routinely. The blatant disregard to the future, when writing a PREQUEL is inexcusable and just shows that the writers are careless AND / OR incompetent.
GARBAGE, GARBAGE, GARBAGE
I love Star Trek and Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future. I DETEST this crap done in his name...
Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
Nothing but special fx and cliche...
Since Star Trek is a personal interest of mine, I feel is is only fair to review it from two points of view, from that of Joe-Average and the other from a Trekkie like me.
Joe-Average should not spend money on this movie at the theatre. It offers no good story, no originality at all. In fact, this is a machine produced pointless sequel that follows cliche after cliche after cliche and you will never be surprised in this movie. Daring nothing, exploring nothing - this is everything a Science Fiction should NOT be. This is just a big special effects movie, good for killing a free evening AT HOME. Watch with popcorn, make sure you rent an alternate (may I suggest Star Trek II and MAKE SURE YOU WATCH IT SECOND). Make sure to rent it when it goes cheap and be prepared for just mindless, light fluff.
For the Trekkie - avoid this movie as it will enrage you! You will be forced to endure the Star Trek universe being carelessly rewritten or ignored. The characters you have grown to love be written into the background or worse, doing stupid things over and over again that defy not only their established characters, but common sense. You will be force-fed tripe that is suppose to pass for drama until you choke as feeble attempts to make this shallow movie something deeper insult your intelligence. You will leave this movie wishing that it never happened. And you will leave cursing the writers and directors for being unimaginative, cowardly and most of all... ***L-A-Z-Y*** in their research and treatment of such a wonderful Franchise.
As I recently saw on a commercial, the phrase that describes this best is: Visually stunning pointless sequel.
Mr. Dressup (1967)
A great show, a great man
Mr. Dressup was and continues to be a wonderful educational show for young children. It is timeless, teaching the basics such as manners, courtesy and encouraging imagination and creativity.
There is so much junk on television for kids these days, with the focus more on entertainment and ratings and $$$. Mr Dressup is definitely recommended and refreshing watching. Children will find that he talks to them, not AT them - that he is not interested in the 25 second sound bite or being "popular".
And on a personal note - I will miss him greatly. He was inspirational and made generations of Canadians better people. A hero...
Enterprise (2001)
I hope this series is nothing more than one big dream sequence...
I am a trekkie, I have watched every episode from every series and every movie. Heck, I've even seen a bunch of their cartoons (80's) and read a score of their books and comics AND played their video-games. And I can say without hesitation... ...this series is just TERRIBLE!!!
I could write volumes about why this series is such a disgrace. But to keep this review under three thousand pages...
The storylines are contrived, unbelievable, lack continuity (connection from one episode to another), pointless and stupid. And I mean stupid, because the conflict or the premise for entire episodes often hinge on the characters doing stupid things! And I don't mean "naive" - I mean contrary to common-sense, not even a two-year-old would do that - STUPID!
The characters are poorly acted - though I can't fault the actors - because their lines are so cheesey and out of character that not even the best actors could make them work. And the constant use of "skin" throughout this series (rubbing "decontamination gel" on each other, oh please) is just plain insulting! Hey, I like women as much as the next guy - but if I want scantily clad people thrown in my face with the subtlety of a bowling ball - Baywatch does a much better job.
And don't get me started on how this series constantly contradicts the other Star Trek series almost routinely. The blatant disregard to the future, when writing a PREQUEL is inexcusable and just shows that the writers are careless AND / OR incompetent.
GARBAGE, GARBAGE, GARBAGE
I love Star Trek and Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future. I DETEST this crap done in his name...
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Nothing but eye-candy - looks good but leaves you empty...
I watched this movie and thought, "ummmm... mediocre". The plot was completely un-original. The acting was atrocious. It sorta looked nice and had a mildly unexpected ending.
Then I watched the original Planet of the Apes... AND - I - WAS - OUTRAGED!!!
Planet of the apes is an incredibly original story. It has depth and meaning, good acting and an incredibly clever and original story line. To use the same name to sell this... this monstrocity deserves a lawsuit!
Only get this movie to show off your new DVD player because it is nothing but visual fluff. And only get it if it's in the bargain bin. Better yet, if you are that desperate to show off your DVD player, use Monsters Inc, or Star Wars, or Debbie does Dallas instead.
Dungeons & Dragons (2000)
Don't waste your time.
This is a terrible movie. Incredibly shallow and unconvincing acting made worse with a horrible script. A ludicrous story that is completely uninspired and unoriginal, not to mention filled with cliche to be almost insulting. Considering the amount of history and material already published for Dungeons and Dragons, there is no excuse for such a shoddy movie. Don't watch it, don't rent it - and make the morons who made this movie LOSE money on it.
P.S. DO NOT - I REPEAT - DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE *AFTER* WATCHING LORD OF THE RINGS (A REAL FANTASY MOVIE). You may need to re-watch Lord of Rings just to get this atrocity out of your mind.
P.P.S. DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE *AT ALL*
'Til There Was You (1997)
Almost a great movie
As I was watching this movie... I was enthralled. The script, the acting were great. The atmosphere, the subtle nuances that make a certain few movies *exceptional* were all here. This is a movie about finding - the one - ; about soul mates, about finding out who your truly are and what is really important. And it does it without preaching or treating you as if you had an IQ below 10 (like so many romantic movies do). I found it riveting and as I was watching, I was almost ready to say it was one of the best romantic movies of all time.
BUT
The ending sucks. The movie should have been half an hour longer. It's almost as if at the end - they fired the writer and finished it in the shortest, shallowest, most meaningless way possible. It's not that the ending was tragic or predictable - it was just so *blah*. And after such a wonderful movie, the ending was such a disappointment, such a downer - it was almost physically painful.
And ironically, despite the fact that 99% of the movie is wonderful, the ending was so bad that I actually recommend against seeing this movie. It left me feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied which is so unfortunate because I really, really like the first parts of the movie very much. I really, really hope that a DVD will come out with an alternate ending =).
See "When Harry Met Sally" - good movie with a good ending.
Dune (2000)
The worst Science Fiction I have ever seen.
I have read most of the Dune Series and the first book is magnificent (take my advice, don't read beyond it - they get increasingly worse). This "mini-series" is a travesty to the book and to Sci-Fi movies.
The costumes look like something from a horrible Paris fashion show and it just made me wince. The acting by EVERYONE (except maybe, the actor playing Duke Leto) was awful - especially the acting by the main character - Paul Atriedes. These actors totally butchered the characters the were suppose to portray and were almost completely unconvincing in their roles.
The original Dune movie was only 2 hours long. Though the basic concept was there, it would be impossible to accurately relay the entire novel in 2 hours. So they departed from the book to create a Dune that was simpler, shorter and yet awesome, passionate and still a *good* movie.
This movie, though a trifle more faithful to the book, leaves out some of the most important parts, such as the main character's adopted NAME. They abbreviated the famous chant...
"I most not fear, fear is the mind killer" leaving out everything beyond this first phrase. And other things that stripped all the passion and beauty of Dune from this excuse of a movie.
They also left out explanations for the myriad of terms used in the Dune universe, so good-luck understanding this movie without reading the book.
Now the only complaint I had about the book was the ending. To me, after such an epic novel, the last line of the book was a very, very weak conclusion to such a great story. This mini-series, though leaving out chunks of story and character development, manages to preserve the weakest line in the book.
Great.
A terrible movie with a fittingly terrible ending that made me return it that night so that I could rent something - ANYTHING - to get that movie aftertaste out of my head.