racerdex Reviews

The Jay Leno Show (2009–2010)

Not Worth It

[2/10 · 18 October 2009]

I believe that Jay has talent, but I do not believe that there is a valuable tradeoff for taking, at least, five potentially great shows out of contention, just to redo the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, during primetime - and yes, I realize that this show is somewhat different, yet essentially, to this viewer, the same.

Truth be told, we have gone to other stations (including cable stations), as a result of NBC's decision to force Jay on us, during a valuable prime time slot. I think that this exacerbates the traditional networks' problem; driving away valuable viewers - losing further market share to the cable stations.

My advice: Stick with the formula of innovation, through a variety of programming. The early years of TV invoked the fewer choices rule, but that was not damaging because there were no other video entertainment choices. Today, this is a dangerous, and heavy handed, approach, which has bottom-line consequences for the networks.

If NBC has some creative challenges, do not give up shows that can bring new viewers, like "Southland", and delay others like "Chuck" but also, consider picking up unwanted gems from other networks, like Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

Snipets (1972–1979)

Lesson Learned

[9/10 · 12 April 2009]

The resulting commercials of PSA regulations did not excite me as a kid, and Snipets (SIC) was, at best an annoying interruption to my much loved cartoon time, but I do believe that, like the era's busing laws, Snipets DID make a difference.

Specifically, I remember a story that ended with a dastardly fellow trying to discourage kids from trying their best, telling them that his name is A. D. Word, and the "D" is for "discouraging".

I love the message and wish that we had this sort of PSA, today. I personally think that the imagination that television once "engendered" has been lost in the attempts to secure viewership, through shock and vulgarity.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–2009)

This Show Rocks

[10/10 · 22 March 2009]

We love this show. It has restored our faith in Science Fiction, which shown on network TV. The show is more about leadership and social responsibility, than technology and robots. I think that the show has, at least in the past two seasons, topped Battlestar Galactica, but since it is on FOX, there seems to be no reason applied to considering its value.

We rarely watch this network's shows (titles), for many reasons, but have been tuning in for Terminator: The Sara Connor Chronicles. If the show is canceled, we have no reason to watch; so there goes the advertising reach that FOX has into our household.

Silver Streak (1976)

A Fine Comedy

[10/10 · 22 September 2006]

After fear and loathing (racism, probably, but how can that ever be proved), kept Richard Pryor from starring in Blazing Saddles, this was the first of the successful Gene Wilder/Richard Pryor films. It was the first time I ever saw Richard Pryor act, and it made me a loyal fan; purchasing records, tapes, videos and seeing concerts.

For anyone that thinks, he was not the greatest, take a look at the number of other comedians whom count his as an influence. Just because some punctuates insight with profanity, it does not make them dirty.

I would support a Richard Pryor holiday, over some of those national holidays, which we currently celebrate, because he brought me more happiness and comfort than many of our other "heroes".

Of course, I am only one person, and lack the clever wit to influence others; unlike Mr. Pryor.

Night Gallery: Make Me Laugh/Clean Kills and Other Trophies (1971) Season 1, Episode 4

Insightful

[10/10 · 4 July 2006]

This is one of my absolute favorites. How often have you heard the expression "be careful for what you wish". This episode perfectly summarizes that sentiment. It has served me well, over the years, and as far as heavy handed lessons go, this one was worth watching. I love how the tide turns, and then turns again, for the protagonist, Godfrey Cambridge - one of the comedic greats.

Also see him is the Watermelon Man, Cotton Comes to Harlem (an awesome flick) and Come Back Charleston Blue. I give it a ten of ten, because, though I have only seen it once, it left me with a an indelible memory.

Feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree. [e-mail]

Get Crazy (1983)

Death Bed Request

[30 June 2004]

I saw this movie, many years ago, during the Christmas season. I remember feeling very bored while waiting for my woman to get home, and being willing to try just about any movie.

When I found that Lou Reed was a star, I had no doubt that I was not wasting my time. Sure, it was silly, and even a bit affected (or over the top, camp), but some movies are simply meant to entertain a specific market (or type of viewer). In this case, I would say that this is a musician's movie, not because there is so much good music, but because it parodies that "rock and roll" lifestyle.

My favourite parts are, Lou Reed's journey while writing the song (I believe that the journey is supposed to be influencing it, but "Death Bed Request" is not a real song, as far as I know), and the dog being kicked across the room, by the person whom I believe to be the antagonist.

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

Stylish, slick, great, science fiction

[10/10 · 11 June 2004]

I took my kid to see this movie, and we were very satisfied. I would tell anyone to see it. We both liked the very interesting take on future society; especially, how religious fervor had such an obvious and negative effect on that future.

I spoke to a theater attendant who expressed concern about the commercialization of the "franchise", with cheesy jokes and stunts that even the suspension of disbelief that sci fi requires, could not sustain. That was not the case. Perhaps, it is because this film is more like a first in the franchise, in that Pitch Black was of a cult "classic".

I think another sequel is forthcoming. I was surprised by the amount and efficacy of misinformation; certainly in light of the media blitz, at least in the youth segment. We had no idea of what to expect.

The Gristle (2001)

Funny, If you are socially aware (or even awake)

[10/10 · 5 December 2003]

My brother and I watched this film together, on HBO 2. Actually, we had a bicoastal film viewing. It is the sort of thing that we have always reserved for the finest in quirky film making. How does a movie like this ever get made? The comedy of errors, and concurrently botched confidence schemes lead to hilarious results. We would have spent our hard earned, and stolen, last $110K, to make it as well.

We are certain of the reasons that this film is not popular. It is way too silly, but that gives it its quality, and makes room for it on our video shelves as a potential classic (see "Better Off Dead", "Hollywood Shuffle", "Soul Man" and "Fear of a Black Hat").

Kangaroo Jack (2003)

Great Family Fun!

[10/10 · 18 January 2003]

My family and I had only the day before seeing this movie, been discussing how panning critics, serve only to destroy tiny gems, like this one. It is not like it is some Oscar fare, but then again, neither were Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Better Off Dead, or Army of Darkness. This is the kind of film that, perhaps, only the pleas of your well-loved child, could bring you to see, but you shall not be disappointed. It is not a "one star" or, below "five", using the vaunted "IMDB" scale, film. I recommend it strongly; we had great fun, watching it.