todd-246 Reviews

One Foot in the Grave (1990–2001)

Best British comedy so far!

[22 April 2005]

This is just an incredible series. It deals with just about EVERYTHING! Not for the easily offended, though it doesn't go out of its way to offend. It's irreverent and pulls no punches. The series shows what it wants to how it wants to and makes no apologies. Sometimes it can be darkly humorous, but in these cases it usually has a valid point to make and does so quite well.

The best way to describe this series is as follows: Imagine if absolutely everyone and everything on the face of the planet were really as miserable, stupid, loud, obnoxious, belligerent, deceitful, crazy, lazy, greedy, unfair, ironic, annoying, etc., as one sometimes feels them to be. Put a bitter (but not unlikeable) retiree in the middle of this world as the protagonist. Now watch how he interacts with and reacts to the people, places and things in this world. Sometimes he's in the right, sometimes he's in the wrong. Sometimes he gets what he deserves, sometimes he gets what he doesn't deserve. Sometimes he gives others what they deserve, sometimes he gives them what they don't deserve. No matter where a particular episode goes, you will most likely bellow with laughter at some point, usually at many points. There are a few episodes that were created not so much for a laugh as they were for irony; some of that irony being quite bitter or just plain sad. In episodes such as these, one will at least feel something, even if it is not what was expected.

As of this writing, the first season is available in the UK on DVD and the second season will be released there soon. With absolutely every other Britcom available in the United States, it's unfortunate that this series isn't popular enough to be released here. I suppose the fact that public television didn't play it ad nauseum like "Are You Being Served," "Keeping Up Appearances," or "Red Dwarf" (not that they're bad shows) is why. Remember, it's not how good something is that makes it popular and available, it's how visible it is.

Actually, it's kind of fitting that "One Foot in the Grave" isn't receiving the recognition it deserves and is fading into obscurity while being surrounded by so many more popular yet inferior programs. It's exactly the sort of point that one of its own episodes might have made!

The Tick (1994–1997)

One of the greatest comedies ever!!!

[20 January 2005]

Forget about The Incredibles (SNORE!!!), this is what superhero parody is all about. I think The Tick animated series is even better than the comic book on which it is based.I cannot think of one episode that did not keep moving along rapid-fire with one gag after the other; from the outright absurd to the observational. While the live action series was decent, and is available on DVD, I really wish this version would make its way to us. Only a few videocassettes ever hit the market, and the ones I have are getting old. It's a shame that Fox doesn't seem to want to release this one. I find it especially strange since the live action version sold better than expected on DVD and Fox released the far more obscure Firefly to DVD(another outstanding show that ended prematurely).

The Twelve Kingdoms (2002–2003)

Astounding beauty, rich story and characters

[7 January 2005]

This is one of the best animes(if not THE best)I have ever experienced! The visuals are astounding. Detail is sharp and beautiful. Realistic, true to life detail and color when appropriate, yet vibrant and fantastic when necessary. Run-down villages look dusty and gritty along with the people who inhabit them. Miraculous landscapes, skyscapes, palaces etc. are lush with color and striking in design. The story is very deep, and this may turn off some people. The political and social structure of the society of the Twelve Kingdoms is covered in minute detail. I personally enjoyed this level of description, but if it becomes too much for you, just sit back and let it wash over you because the series (45 episodes) provides so much to enjoy (there is even one episode that is dedicated solely to the workings of the government and society so people can get up to speed should they get lost in all of it). Character growth, development and resolution is at the heart of this story. Definitely a show for those who enjoy conflict of philosophies and ideologies and politics. No outrageously busty half-naked anime chicks here. No wildly unbelievable Dragon Ball Z-type fighting. No too ambiguous Serial Experiments Lain-style plot lines with questionable endings. You will get female characters who are strong and seem like(get this)real people!! You will get mostly realistic combat sequences with a touch of the fantastic from time to time. You will get plot lines that actually go somewhere that will make you angry, sad, happy and even feel vindicated at times. Music should not be ignored either. At moments it is hypnotically beautiful. Music is used subtly and the best way to enjoy it is to pick up the soundtrack CDs. Music is airy and dreamlike using mostly strings and wind instruments. It fits the series perfectly, fantasy music with a slight Eastern edge to it. This anime should be a lot more popular than it is. If you see the DVDs, pick them up now!!

Treasure Planet (2002)

Best Disney movie you've never seen

[10/10 · 7 January 2005]

Before I begin, I just want anybody reading this to know that while I appreciate and understand the remarkable skill involved in the creation of and the historical significance of classic Disney films, I am not a very big fan of them. Having said that, you can put what I write into perspective.

When I first saw this movie I had no idea what to expect. Wow! What a pleasant surprise. This is the best animated Disney film I have ever seen (yes, that includes Aladdin). Visually, it's a beautiful mix of standard 2D animation and 3D CGI. This works perfectly. Sometimes 3D CGI imagery can be distracting in an otherwise 2D animated film, especially when it is a bit herky-jerky (Titan AE is a good example). The two styles mesh well in Treasure Planet and I can think of only one scene, that takes place in the bowels of a ship toward the end of the film, where the CGI is a little distracting. Good character designs and beautiful starscape and ship designs presented in vibrant and rich colors with remarkable crispness round out the visuals. The animation is silky smooth, which is expected of a Disney film.

The story is, of course, based on Treasure Island. However, the Disney team's update deserves recognition, not just for the well infused science fiction elements but for the well-paced humor they injected into it. David Hyde-Pierce's delivery, and his character (Doppler), really steal the show. He does not have the annoyingly obnoxious and overbearing presence of Robin Williams's genie. Of all the characters, his has gotten the most attention from the animators. Just watch him throughout the film, his mannerisms and expressions are part of the reason he's my favorite part of the movie. Even the musical bits of this film didn't turn me off, probably because there were only one or two.

While being mostly about the character development of Jim Hawkins from an immature boy to a man and his relationship/conflict with John Silver, the film avoids being sickeningly sweet or cute. For the most part, Disney managed to keep it under control this time. If you liked the Iron Giant, this is in a similar league.

Rock & Rule (1983)

Fun '80s animated rock opera

[10/10 · 7 January 2005]

A simple, straightforward post-apocalyptic animated classic. A small local band tries to rescue its female lead from an aging rockstar who needs her voice to conjure up a demon to punish the world because his concerts no longer sell out. Character and environment designs have what I can only describe as an adult-Disney look. The characters look like people with slight animal augmentation, a satirical parody of the classic Disney design I suppose. The environments lean toward the dark side; burnt-out cityscapes reign supreme (it takes place after World War III after all) and interiors are shadowy but in a good way, not in the "I can't tell what's going on" way. The environmental designs create the perfect atmosphere. This film is like an early 80s time capsule. The music (Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, Earth, Wind & Fire and Iggy Pop) encapsulates the sounds of the time and sounds great! The quality of the animation varies throughout. Some parts are incredibly detailed and well animated, while others can appear quite simple, more like television fare. For the most part however, it looks great with some spectacular moments. It's a movie everybody can watch. It's just a tiny bit adult oriented in parts (minor drug use, very slight sexual overtones)but it is certainly not the garbage that Ralph Bakshi was putting out at that time. Smaller kids might find it a bit scary, especially towards the end; but then again, it's not aimed at children. It also has a pretty good sense of humor. You'll have fun watching it, it doesn't take itself too seriously and by the end of Rock & Rule, you'll feel pretty good.