orcagurl Reviews

CSI: Miami (2002–2012)

On the fence

[8/10 · 13 May 2006]

Okay, I'm on the fence with Miami.

I adore Vegas, I really do, but recently I got into Miami and I've been addicted to this show as well. However, I see its shortcomings, and it makes you wonder whether it comes up to par with its original. It's definitely more popular than Vegas internationally, but some aspects of the show come into question.

First of all, Miami is a lot flashier. Some people think that makes it better, some don't. I think I can understand people who prefer Miami because it happens in the day, but Vegas happening at night is unique. There's more action, and the characters are more involved, more stuff happens to them, the situations and plot progessions are more fictional. This is a more conventional TV show, whereas Vegas concentrates more on the cases, and their CSI's are more behind the scenes instead of run around'n'catch'em.

Second of all, the front runner of the show. Vegas has Grissom. New York has Taylor. Miami has Caine. huh....Horatio, Horatio, what can I say about you? He's compelling to watch at first. Then, it gets old. Really old. With some of the situations you can't help but yell, "That's so CHEESY! Why isn't anyone else cringing at this?" He makes waaaay too many promises, either to protect someone, or catch someone, or make sure he's gonna get someone. How the heck does he keep track of it all? He is far too damn uppity moral, and his interactions with Marisol are without chemistry whatsoever. I don't understand how Delko can handle it (I think he might blow).

Apart from that, the rest of the cast is quite excellent and endearing. In fact, Miami is quite a slick, well-oiled machine. The film-making here is just as professional and top-notch as the rest of the CSI shows, which is a big kudos to the producers and creative team. At least you're watching quality, you know? To summ it all up though, I think there is one thing I can say that will fully explain Miami (and other users on IMDb have put this in their comments too).

If Emily Procter leaves the show (oh god if Calleigh's the mole I'm gonna die) I'm not watching Miami anymore.

Dangerous Beauty (1998)

Entertaining, but bad

[6/10 · 13 May 2006]

Yes, an entertaining film, yes beautiful on a cinematic aspect, but all in all, a silly period piece, and considering the subject matter, it would have done better if held with more sensitivity than sentimentality.

It's not a smart period piece, let's start with that. The 'jovial' verbal sparring that goes on between Veronica and Platt's character is trite, and with clumsy innuendos. The sexual fascinations the men of Venice have with Veronica comes off as somewhat artificial, and Veronica herself, doesn't seem like such a dangerous beauty. The emphasis for power and intelligence in courtesans is quite clear in the film, but apart from showing her reading a couple of books, this doesn't come across. The exchange between Veronica and King Henry was set up to be challenging, and interesting, and then too easily resolved. The conclusion between Marco and Veronica's characters ripped right out of a Harlequin romance, and not given any sort of punch to make it favorable. I was hoping that Veronica would truly be strong, and assert herself as a powerful woman, but her weaknesses and what she gave into demeans this. And Paola, her mother, was quite shocking and somewhat incredulous. The film tries to explain her motives for pushing Veronica to become a courtesan, but the training session sequence still leaves an uneasy feeling about her.

I sound quite unforgiving towards the film, so here I admit there were some good moments. Veronica explaining the not so glamorous part of a courtesan's life. The court scene (though the conclusion was still a mite too easy) held some power the rest of the film should have. Veronica's interactions with Domenic. And the Minister Rimbarti was a very sympathetic character and he stood out in the scenes he was in.

So all in all, it's okay to watch, but if you're expecting something that actually has meaning look somewhere else.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Opulent and Dazling

[28 December 2004]

This film, I must say overall, was a success.

Most films that are adaptations of a stage/theatre production are just actors acting in front of the camera. Some such disappointments being Huston's 'Annie'. But Joel Schumacher truly came into his own, made many brave decisions and risks, and has created something that film can embrace as its own.

The camera work is phenomenal and the sets and costumes are detailed, lush and must have had much love and care put into them. In many scenes the camera whirls around and you feel like you're caught up in the dizzy dancing and its a very nice touch. Also interesting and somewhat disturbing (in a good way) is how the present is in black and white, like aged film, and yet the past is in such rich colour. It seems to implicate (like in Wender's 'Wings of Desire') that we have fallen from grace in the later years.

The singing, I actually thought, was quite decent. Usually I do not enjoy opera, and this film was done in an opera style, but I rather enjoyed it and have come to appreciate it better. Good singing from everyone. Emmy Rossum's voice goes high but she is not shrill. Gerard Butler has a powerful voice and carries much emotion. Even Raoul was decent. The music is lovely and moving. I'll never be able to hear the phantom theme without crying. The music really helped carry the movie throughout, and though there was one part where I was a little shocked at the modern, aggressive drum beat, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fit and added depth to an otherwise, many heard theme.

However, I happened to find Rossum a little irksome. I got sick of seeing her face with the same range of expressions over and over again. I will conclude saying she is more of a singer than an actress. And she was appropriate for the role, and my complaint is little. The acting was adequate at least and stunning at best. When I want an example of stunning, I think of Gerard Butler, stealing the show.

Absolutely brilliant. This film has not disappointed at all. I believe the soundtrack will also be one of the few worth buying, once it comes out.

Kinsey (2004)

Tim Curry Talks Abstinence

[14 December 2004]

That was probably the one thing that made me laugh and cause disruption in the theatre. It was probably my only beef with the movie. Tim Curry encouraging abstinence does not sit well with most audience members who know of him, and so they probably should have tried to do something about that.

This movie is not for conversative people, but I guess the tagline 'Let's talk about sex' would have warded you off anyway.

A biographical movie about Doctor Alfred Kinsey. Though it has some sexual scenes in this movie, it actually isn't promoting any bizarre sexual themes. It's not demoting or promoting, encouraging or discouraging. It's more a study of characters. The study of a man's life.

Kinsey seems so sure of himself, but it is so interesting to see him become conflicted. He needs to be sure, to be a solid strong figure for the others helping him in his study, but in all actuality he is learning as he goes along and finds many problems, some personal, and has to deal with them.

The reaction and interaction of the characters are quite intriguing and you can't help but be fascinated by them.

This film is getting some Oscar buzz, and well deserved I say.

Benjamin, the Dove (1995)

Benjamin Dove soars

[28 October 2004]

Forgive the corny subject line.

I saw Bejamin Dove at the Sprockets film festival for children and I must say it was the best out of the selection they had for the year. This is truly a gem.

Benjamin Dove is a story of a group of friends who form their own little round table of knights. The first thing they see in the morning is what they are to be called. Benjamin saw a dove first thing, hence, Benjamin Dove. However problems start to occur as some boys are outcast, some are kicked out, new gangs are created, rivalry and chaos ensue and finally it ends with a death. A death no one in the sleepy town expected.

This was beautifully shot and well acted. Perhaps one of the most striking characters has to be timid little Baldur. This is truly worth a look if you're lucky enough to get your hands on a copy. And don't let the subtitles intimidate you.

Hop (2002)

Amazing

[27 May 2004]

I don't usually get a chance to go to film festivals, but i am so glad I went to see HOP. This is an excellent film and a refreshing change to the ones Hollywood likes to churn out.

I knew nothing about this movie when I went into the theatre, but I loved it. It was funny, and not slapstick or any of that stupid 'Dumb and Dumber' or 'American Pie' crap. It was genuinely funny. I don't know why people keep saying that the story line was terrible, the ending was predictable, yes, but isn't that true with almost all Hollywood movies? Hmmm?

You gotta love the characters. They are so real, and the director and screenwriter were quite clever in revealing a lot of their history (like between Gerda) without making it ham-handed and melodramatic. The acting was very good.

I think its the pastoral and simple touch to the film. It still has a bit of that light quality, and yet some poignancy to its make. It is definitely a film worth watching and your only concern will be actually finding a theatre that will screen it.

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997 Video)

The piano...

[2 April 2004]

It has its flaws, no doubt, but so does just about every other Disney movie. Heck, its for kids right? This was entertaining and that's what the movies are about aren't they? I don't understand you people that keep writing these papers about the movie. It's ENTERTAINMENT. It's SUPPOSED to be a bunch of candy fluff to amuse the kids. Give Disney a break, I've already ranted at them enough (lol).

I actually like this better then the first. Well....nowadays. When I was a kid this movie terrified me. It was the piano, Forte. Man. Who knew a thing with a bunch of wooden keys and strings could be so sinister and scary?

But I like the Christmas one a lot better then the original now. And its because of that piano. That scary, sinister piano. It adds a villainous character onto the scene, and Disney actually succeeded in making Forte a more sophisticated character then the usual cartoony piece of dog poop on screen that makes you laugh at their pathetic antics. Forte was sophisticated, and he actually had some reason behind his actions. Very nice. It also created some nice conflict for the Beast and Belle and that was nice to see as well.

So. Disney's finally decided to grow up a bit.

Les intrépides (1993–1996)

classic

[1 April 2004]

They used to show this on TVO and I remember tuning in to watch it almost every single day. It was so cool! It was like the James Bond for kids. They have cool gadgets and ideas and plans, they actually get into dangerous situations and fly planes in emergencies or jump into fires or whatever. They did everything kids wanted to do. They were characters you could connect to, and it was so much fun going along with them to see them help a bunch of other kids, whatever it was. Kidnap, abuse, kidnap (there was actually a lot of this), art frauds and the like. It was a very intelligent show, and I'm glad they didn't condescend kids. This IS a real classic. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would watch the reruns, what? ten years down the road.

Kingdom Hospital (2004)

Wow!

[28 March 2004]

I was always a lover of Stephen King novels, and so I had to watch 'Kingdom Hopsital'. It is really something different. Sure, you get your usual gore and supernatural ghosties, but this show is really sophisticated. But then, what else can you expect from the master? lol.

The best part of watching this show is the characters. Ever since the first episode the characters had all been given strong personalities and odd little quirks, which can be dangerous for a TV series unless the teleplay writer has planned out everything carefully. The characters are fun. Even though only the first couple episodes have been aired they are still a fun bunch and you can pretty much guess what they will do in any given situation. The crazy doctors, the security guard, the two janitors, everyone.

If you want to watch something that's entertaining, kinda creepy and very, very intriguing you should try this one out. The blend of music, plot and yes, the giant anteater, make it bizarre but enjoyable!

Proof (1991)

A proof is a proof

[5 March 2004]

Goodness, this is a terrific movie! I was lucky to get my hands on it, as it has VERY limited access where I'm from. If you can get your hands on this film, buy it! And if you don't like it....give it to me! ok, lol.

Proof is not a comedy. It is not even a black comedy (or black, BLACKEST comedy) though it has some moments that will make you laugh or smile broadly ("You killed ugly!"). It isn't a movie so heavy either that you'll feel like someone's been slapping you throughout the film either. It is very poignant, often surreal, but very, very intelligent. Proof is a very complex movie. In other words, you can't label the characters, 'evil' or 'good' and be done with it. You got to look deeper, and the actors subtly bring it out to an external medium and you'll see it. You just gotta remember to open your eyes.

Hugo Weaving was amazing here. In fact they were all good! Including the dog. Weaving really makes you think he's a blind person, and I almost thought for a second he was until I heard "Mr Anderson" ringing in my head again.

Proof is probably the movie that comes closest to reality in people's lives. And the drive-in scene is priceless.

The Prophecy (1995)

Interesting, but gross. Unnecessarily so.

[7 October 2003]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** I could have fallen in love with this movie and watched it over and over again, so sucked in by the plot and the performances. I didn't. You know why? Half the time I was cowering behind a T.V. guide during truly disgusting sequences.

I mean, sure, maybe when they were in the cave and (MAJOR SPOILER) * * * * * * saw the field of dead angels on stakes, I could have lived with that. It's important to the story. and maybe even Lucifer cutting out Gabriel's heart, but the rest of the stuff? Like half-burnt Simon and Uziel's very bad death and cremation? It was unecessary and kind of cheesy, but it made my stomach churn. We didn't need that crap. * * * * (SPOILERS OVER)

Other then that I pretty much enjoyed it. Walken was hilarious, "Don't start on me again? Don't start!" or Mortensen as Lucifer. He was entrancing, and so was little Mary as she gave her gruesome, chilling speech.

Watch it, and if you have the stomach for it, watch it again.

Labyrinth (1986)

A stunning classic

[7 October 2003]

When I first saw this movie I was pretty young, maybe seven or eight, and I was totally blown away. It scared me, made me laugh, and made me feel pity. I rented it almost every single time we went to blockbusters until my parents were like, "What? That again?!"

David Bowie has a strange attractiveness which makes you feel bad for the Goblin king. You know he loves the main heroine, but he doesn't really know the right way to express it. Bad dating skills that's what. But still even at seven I felt like crying for him, and the eccentric haunting songs too!

This is fantasy, drop LOTR you've probably seen it a hundred times already, drop Harry Potter you've probably seen it TWO hundred times already and watch the Labyrinth. It has this touching, and again, eccentric quality that makes you just fall in love with it.

Salem Witch Trials (2002 TV Movie)

An interesting mini series

[19 August 2003]

I thought this was a very interesting mini series, definitely not holding back on the gruesome side of the 'old life'. They had tons of good actors and actresses stuck in and it's half the fun pointing to the people and saying, "Hey I saw them somewhere!" Even when, dissapointingly, they only have a few seconds screen space or have no name at all. (A good example is May's father)

It's horrible how the people reacted to whatever excuse they could think of first to explain the terrible deeds happening, and so much they said was Satan's or God's punishment! And how the children would target certain people, yes, you will see what I mean. Feeling important now that they are recognized.

And here's a scene to look out for. I near cried, it being so powerful, of strength and unity still within a dank prison. When Goody Nurse is in prison and praying and all the prisoners shout out what they would find God in. I wanted to join them (well, not really), and feel the first ray of light that touched their hearts in many a day.

Watership Down (1999–2001)

This IS a good cartoon, when compared to all others

[19 August 2003]

I don't see why most of the comments are negative. This cartoon actually makes you think and actually has a serious plot. I mean, look at Sponge Bob Square pants! It isn't a show full of nonsense and crap, it's beautifully animated and challenges the little kids watching it to think and try broaden their perspectives on different situations.

Sure, it has it's cheesy morals about understanding and friendship and unity, but it has to or it wouldn't be considered quite appropriate for young kids now would it? But it still retains some of the melancholy, beautifully depressing atmosphere Adams gave his masterpiece of a novel.

Watership Down's a great show. You should at least watch a few episodes. And the second season, though straying greatly from Adams' novel is still good. More action-packed and a more creative story line, now that Adams' story line is done and they can expand with their own ideas.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

From Azim to Achoo (spoilers)

[10 July 2003]

I thought this film was hilarious, it is a definite classic. I just saw it again, after watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and noticed it was a spoof on the 1991 film. Robin comes back from the crusades, and they did a spoof on the sand-kissing scene. Achoo appears to be Azim's spoof. When Robin says, "And unlike other Robin Hoods *I* can speak with an English accent" this is a total attack on Kevin Costner who sounded like he just came form a yankees ball game. Latrine is Mortiana's spoof and they share the egg-cracking scene. That wierd boy who was screaming and running from the Sherrif's men.

There were more but I forget them, so be sure to watch Prince of Thieves first and peel your eyes for the connections. It will make you lmao, and if you don't laugh at the scene where Rabbi Tuck tells them what circumsision is then you may not laugh during this movie at all.