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phildogg21
Reviews
The Grudge 2 (2006)
"It followed me here! They followed me here!"
Aight, let's just get this out of the way. Not the greatest sequel ever made. As everybody knows, making a sequel a great film is obviously tough. But ... this is kinda a big but...
I still thought it was reeeeally freaky.
And bear in mind, just like what they did to the first remake, Takashi Shimizu was brought back to keep the chills there (unlike the third one).
Lot of freaky moments like Karen's death at the hospital, Vanessa spotting Kayako in the locker room and pissing herself (I'd be pretty scared too if I saw Kayako in a locker room ... alone.), the scene in the photography dark room, the eeriness that goes in that apartment building near the end and
the therapy session scene where Allison spots a ghostly Vanessa sitting next to her and the school counselor being all freaky, which you just got to see for yourself (about 22-23 mins left to go) and
I can't leave out the creepy peek-a-boo man on the bus that Amber Tamblyn travels on (to go visit Kayako's mama), which is kinda hard not to chuckle at a bit.
Also, Teresa Palmer is a goddamn hottie in this ...
... and of course you've got Sarah Roemer and Jennifer Beals.
Overall, an aight sequel. But freaky as hell. Go for the originals and the first remake.
Peace!
The Cosby Show: The Storyteller (1990)
"Heathcliff! Hush up!"
This is one of my favorite episodes in the show. It's just a shame that it's got a pretty low rating here on IMDb.
Firstly, it's special because, yes, it's got Terrence Howard's great-grandmother in it as Gramtee, who is a great character - a funny and gentle woman - like my beautiful Nana was.
She was particularly funny at the dinner table, telling Cliff to go get her birthday cake (chocolate, which is her favorite).
Cliff: "I don't want to argue with someone your age, but this is my house and I'm telling you that there's no cake here".
Gramtee: "I have a strong end when I get ready. Now I want my cake".
The funniest story of the episode was of Olivia wanting to go to the zoo and Playland tomorrow morning, but Denise tries to keep a stern voice, telling her that she's going to church with the family instead.
"God wants me to go to the zoo".
Olivia also tries her best to fake a stomachache, so she doesn't have to go to church and when Denise asks her what they talked about yesterday, Olivia utters: "I don't remember!" I'm sure we've all been there.
Lastly, I would like to mention the scene where Gramtee and Olivia clean up and they sing the 'Barbershop' song. It's also sad for me as it reminds me of a time when I was little - my Nana and I did a similar thing.
And of course, the gospel song in the last scene that serves as a welcome for Gramtee was special.
Great episode.
The Cosby Show: Not Everybody Loves the Blues (1990)
B. B. King, baby! The thrill is gone!
One of all my all-time favorite Cosby episodes. And yes, judging by my review title, the main reason is because of the legendary Mr B. B. King, the King of Blues.
Theo and Elvin go and see a musician named Tailpipe Willie, but excitement grows because of the replacement, Riley Jackson (played by you know who).
Theo rushes home and has to tell Mum and Dad about him hearing unbelievable Blues music at the Steel Dog Cafe last night. Responding to his name being called out, B.B. emerges from the kitchen. You got to love Theo's surprised reaction, as he holds the record up in front of him and utters, "I'm buggin'!" Turns out Riley Jackson is an old friend of Grandpa Russell, who used to play in the same clubs together. If you don't remember, Russell used to play the trombone (see the second season episode "Play It Again, Russell").
Riley tells the family some stories about his songs and his life and how he used to know T-Bone Walker.
Other most memorable highlights of the episode include: Vanessa mocking the blues because she's not a fan and Clair turning her opinions into blues lyrics; Kenny bugging when he's face to face to Riley and proving to everyone that he's got the knack for the Blues (a scene where Deon Richmond really shines in the show, despite there of course being lots of other classic Kenny moments).
Clair used to sing the blues too: "What am I to do surrounded by all these men,
My sailor man is at sea, now, what's his name again?" Cliff responds by remarking a woman saying the blues like that will give you the blues.
More B.B. King showing his stuff on the guitar, Theo thinking that Justine wants to get married and doesn't know how to react and Cliff and Clair singing some blues.
Clair kicks it off and Cliff samples Kenny's lines from the earlier scene and does his thing.
Great episode. This is an episode that's highly recommended.
Peace!
The Cosby Show: A Touch of Wonder (1986)
A Touch of Wonder
The cast would have been so excited by the concept of having a legend guest star in one of the most special episodes - Mr. Stevie Wonder.
Theo and Denise get in a car accident with Stevie Wonder. Theo picks up the ringing home phone and thinking it is Cockroach impersonating Stevie Wonder, it is actually Stevie. He invites the whole family to a recording session.
The soul of this episode is really in the scene in the recording studio with Stevie, even if he shows up for one scene. A bonus part of this scene is the fact that Stevie shows his acting/comedic chops and putting the family on his new record.
Stevie picks Clair to sing 'I Just Called To Say I Love You' with him. The chorus hits. Clair signals the kids to get up and join them and sing with them. A moment like this is enough to make you smile and sing along with them.
One of my favorite episodes.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: I, Done: Part 2 (1996)
"I'm definitely gonna miss you, C".
This is how you end a show, or a sitcom for that matter. This is, without a doubt, one of the best finales ever.
Reasons why is that it is very emotional throughout (telling the audience what these characters will be facing next in their lives) and still funny at the same time ... which of course is a very hard thing to write in a script. Being a huge Fresh Prince fan, I (like a lot of people) was excited to see Carlton doing his Carlton dance to Tom Jones 'It's Not Unusual' one last time. And this time, Will joined him.
Separated into a two-parter, the finale made me feel (the first time I caught this show when it aired) like I was going to miss hanging out with the Fresh Prince, the Banks family and Geoffrey. Thank God for DVDs.
I must admit, I did like... or love... every season of "Fresh Prince" and despite the fact that I wished for more episodes, it's always a relief to finish a show on a high, instead of it getting repetitious or stale.
So, in a nutshell, the Banks family move to New York. Will stays in Bel Air as he promises to finish school and get himself situated and apply himself (a great end to Will's character arc as he tells Uncle Phil in a certain scene:
"I didn't want you to think that all these years I've been out here just ain't worth nothing'. That you've just been wastin' your time with me. Look, Uncle Phil, I just don't want you to think that I'm that same stupid kid I was when I first moved out here".
Uncle Phil helps Will find an apartment and everything looks set for his future without his family by his side.
In the critical touching finale in a very bare family room, Will says goodbye to each of the family members, including Geoffrey, while Carlton takes a last-minute trip to the bathroom.
Uncle Phil is the last one to leave. There are two touching moments - actually three. He tells Will to wish Jazz all the best for him. The father figure of Uncle Phil towards Will is very clear as Uncle Phil states:
"You are my son, Will. End of story".
Also, the two have their last touching moment as they embrace. Phil leaves, as he reminds Will to be the phone on Sunday.
Will meanders around the naked house, remembering all the good times here and he switches the lights off, heading off into the kitchen.
For the last time, we hear Carlton's screams -- "HEY! WHO TURNED OFF THE LIGHTS? WHERE IS EVERYBODY?"
Carlton runs off, pulling up his pants. Will emerges from the kitchen with a huge smile on his grill and utters: "I'm definitely gonna miss you, C".
Will ambles out toward the back door, as the camera takes on a nice aerial view of mainly the family room and kitchen.
Back to the Pilot?
... Yep!
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse (1994)
"How come he don't want me, man?"
The last words in this episode that Will utters will send chills down your spine.
There came a time in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air era where you will get that special episode that will guarantee a high level of emotions and prove Will Smith has the knack for being very serious (emotional) and not always providing the laughs. This was one of them.
Classic episode as we are introduced to Will's father Lou in the very first scene and immediately the awkwardness that shrouds these two. When I first caught this show when growing up when it was airing, I always wondered if they would develop an episode that would involve Will's father.
Earlier in the season in "Home Is Where The Heart Attack Is" after Carlton tells Will he doesn't want to see tubes up his father's nose, Will snarls at Carlton: "Everybody's father! Except mine, 'cause I don't know where the hell he is!" Another significant element in this episode is Uncle Phil's loving/caring nature towards his nephew - he treats Will like his own son (very evident as Phil even told him that during the show). The sad thing about this is the scene where Will screams at Uncle Phil that "You are not my father!" and storms out. Powerful, powerful stuff.
And of course, this episode is technically nothing without the last scene. If I had a countdown for Top 10 Fresh Prince emotional scenes or something, this would probably be #1.
Will's downfall at the very end is a defining moment not to be missed. He talks about he can live his life without his father and how he'll be a way better father than he ever was.
Thank God we have one of the greatest talented actors in Will Smith, as he proves to us yet again that the brother can act. His last line, asking Uncle Phil 'How come he don't want me, man?' (as he and Phil embrace) is a touching moment that will have you in tears. As they embrace, Phil shoves Will's hat onto the ground --
-- and the camera pans to that beautiful little statue that Will bought for his Daddy...
... a statue of a father hugging his son - a sign that Lou missed of being there for his son.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Bullets Over Bel-Air (1995)
"I'm all grown up, Dad. Don't tell me any more fairy tales".
Yet another priceless episode of "Fresh Prince". Like other episodes portraying certain dark issues ("Just Say Yo" and of course "Papa's Got A Brand New Excuse") "Bullets Over Bel-Air" is another one of those episodes that holds you by your arms and legs and screams 'Pay attention, man!' At an ATM, Will and Carlton get mugged and Will is tragically shot, leaving the family (including Will's mother, Vy) to pray that Will's alright. But Will is alright (it's Will Smith) as 'no bullet can stop me'.
There are lots of defining moments in this episode. The family in the hospital waiting room trying to come to terms with what happened, Will trying to lighten up the mood because this kind of stuff happens all the time, Carlton's opinion on the legal system and what this world is coming to, Carlton disappointed it should've been him instead of Will, that little touching moment between Will and Lisa ...
... and that scene with Will and Carlton that he should've won an Emmy for ... or been nominated at least.
Great compelling scene, as Will discovers Carlton's carrying a gun and knowing he's about to do something very stupid, orders him to give him the gun with tears flowing from his eyes. Carlton hesitantly tosses the gun on his hospital bed and storms out without another word.
Will buries his face in his hands, like he's asking God for help or a miracle...
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: 'Twas the Night Before Christening (1993)
"Did someone say claus? Cause that's what this family needs right now".
I know I'll say this of just about every episode as this is one of all-time fave shows. But since this episode revolves around Christmas and you throw Boyz II Men into the mix as well, it makes it even more ... well, special.
From Carlton's jingle bell shoes to Hilary, aunt Helen and Vy almost wearing the same exact outfit to nicky's Christening and will posing as Santa to persuade boyz II men to come to the christening, this is not the episode to be missed.
Like 'its a wonderful life', this is something I watch every christmastime. I don't mean to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet so please forgive me, I gotta mention it. During will's speech in the end, just when you think boyz II men won't make a surprise appearance, they do, interrupting will and what a surprise it is.
Just the look on will's (shocked) face is priceless as well as everyone else, even lil nicky. If this don't get you in the holiday spirit, I don't know what will.