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Reviews
U2: Rattle and Hum (1988)
It's a Musical Journey
Rattle and Hum is a great movie for both hardcore and casual U2 fans. It's an interesting look at U2's musical exploration in the late '80s, and for younger U2 fans, like me, it's almost a way to experience The Joshua Tree tour. Seeing footage of some of their most popular and biggest songs being performed live is both fascinating and enthralling. U2 is probably the best live band still around today, and seeing them where they are most at home, on stage, is an experience in itself. Emotion is a big factor when it comes to their music, and you can feel it throughout the film. The black and white footage adds a nice touch of rawness, of sincerity. And although Rattle and Hum is essentially a concert film, it's also a glimpse at U2's growing maturity as a band.
Rattle and Hum is a fun, fascinating, intense U2 experience. It's quite funny at times--like the first, hilariously awkward interview at the beginning of the movie--but it's also very serious. I think that the most powerful performance in the movie is Sunday Bloody Sunday. Bono's angry, outraged speech both before and during the song are stunning. I was left both in shock and awe at the sincerity and absolute frustration the band displays while they perform it....it's sure to give you goosebumps.
My only complaint--and a minor one at that--was the shortage of interviews, but I can understand why they might have left it out to make room for more songs. So even if you're only a casual fan of U2, you should see Rattle and Hum. It's powerful, entertaining, and interesting. It's a look back at a much younger U2 (you might even laugh at both Bono and The Edge's hair, and at Adam Clayton's birdlime strut on stage) and a good one at that. To quote Larry Mullen Jr., "It's a musical journey."
Evolution (2001)
Fun and Enjoyable!
'Evolution' is a fun movie to watch with a group of friends or by yourself. It's full of great-one liners and is guaranteed to make you laugh more than once or twice.
The movie is full of great actors who portray their character very well--especially Orlando Jones as the stereo-typical Black guy. And David Duchovny's subtle jokes that he used to be involved with government will make an X-Phile smile. Evolution manages to reference many great, classic Sci-Fi movies, too, which just adds to the laughter.
Besides, we always knew Head & Shoulders had a hidden power.
Fun, funny and a great movie. 9/10
Supernatural (2005)
The Best Show On TV Today
Supernatural is, hands down, the best thriller/horror show on TV right now. Everything about it is amazing: the cast, the writing, the story, the special effects, etc. The script is laced with funny one liners and teasing, and the characters are believable and unique. Both Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki play their roles wonderfully.
I think the main reason I love this show is the certain "X-Files" vibe it has. Not surprising, due to the fact the almost all the writers/directors are X-Files veterans. But it manages to differ itself from other shows, always staying unique and awesome.
Each story manages to feature real legends and myths, which simply adds to the authenticity of the show. Nothing is over-the-top or cheesy, but believable and genuinely scary.
And the kick-ass soundtrack helps, too. Now all we need is Mulder and Sculy to guest-star, and you've got the perfect show!! 9.5/10
The X Files: Monday (1999)
A great stand-alone
Monday was a great, well-done episode. Yeah, yeah everyone knows they spoofed Groundhog Day and that episode of the Twilight Zone--but it still managed to be an enjoyable, light-hearted episode with a heart-stopping opening sequence for first time viewers.
This episode was interesting to watch just because of Mulder's reaction to doing basically the same thing every day. Watching his impatience grow is something to smile about because everyone can relate to reliving the same Monday over and over again. "Monday" managed to hold your attention by never repeating EXACTLY the same day but throwing in some minor changes that kept your interest.
Great storyline, great acting, lots of fun. 8/10
The X Files: Bad Blood (1998)
My #1 Episode
"Bad Blood" is my absolute favourite stand-alone X-File episode. Watching the story being played out by first Scully's view and then Mulder's was original and funny. This episode pokes fun at the way each agent sees the case--always differing from the others point of view. It really displays the difference of views and opinions in Mulder and Scully's partnership.
Bad Blood is packed full of laughs and great one-liners, and the character of Lucius Hartwell (played by an amazing Luke Wilson!) is hilarious. I love Mulder's interaction with him. The storyline isn't bad either, but, really, what's not to love about the guv'meant peepuhl, vampires and big buck teeth? 10/10
The X Files (1993)
Absolutely Amazing
The X-Files was and will always be THE best show of the 90's. It was smart, creepy, funny, dramatic, scary: everything you could ever want in a TV show. Everything about it was well done, from the acting to the music score to the directing, to the script. The X-Files was created by some true masterminds. Every episode was scary in a not-over-the-top-way, which was amazing. It had just enough of a creepy 'vibe' to make you shiver. And each plot line had an unexpected twist, and the episodes always ended leaving you thinking "What if..." The was true magic of The X-Files. It was so thought provoking in a smart, fresh way, that you just had to love it. Few shows can do that to you. This show never gave you a straight-forward answer: you were left to decide for yourself. Many people recognize The X-Files simply as a 'sci-fi' show. It's not. It was always so much more than science fiction. It explored so many different aspects, that you can't really classify this show into one category. It was horror, it was drama, it was sci-fi, it was humour...and all perfectly balanced. The characters of Mulder and Scully were smart and believable. Even now, they've become iconic figures in pop culture...and with good reason. The skeptic and believer: again, perfectly balanced. Plus, there was always that "will-they-or-won't-they" tension between them, something David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson performed perfectly. Mulder and Scully, in my opinion, was the best portrayal of a relationship on TV. Nothing even comes close to that of their partnership, even now. There are no words to describe this show, because it was so much MORE than a show. The X-Files left behind a legacy that caught new viewers, including me. Unfortunately, I wasn't around when the show first aired, so I only discovered this show five years after it ended. But it was well worth buying all the DVDs just to experience the true magic of this show. There will never be another show like it. Not every show is perfect, but this was came as close as I've ever seen it.
A great, timeless cult classic.
9.5/10