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Reviews
Warehouse 13 (2009)
A Whiff of History
With spectacular special effects, worthy of the storyline, Universal Cable Productions with Universal Media Studios' ~UMS~, creators', Messrs. Jane Espenson, D. Brent Mote, "Warehouse 13" always leaves me eager for another helping of the next sparkling episode. The dose of mystery, the misadventures of the youthful Claudia Donovan ~Allison Scagliotti~, the heroes lending their own expertise to solve each case take us through various characters of American/ world history not unlike the movie "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" ~2004, director Jon Turteltaub, Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films~, thus ensuring every episode worthy of much discussion in a History class with due note to the often satirical references. Definitely family viewing well on it's way to cult status for fans, like me, of the magical "Twilight Zone" ~1959, creator Rod Serling, Cayuga-CBS, twilight? very nearly, the genius Claudia is a former patient of a mental hospital, that says enough about the show, for new viewers~. Don't miss it!
A Sound of Thunder (2005)
Riveting Suspense
*Distr.(US) by Warner Bros (2005)*
I did enjoy my viewing of AST. The suspense that had me at the edge of my seat till the end, more than made up for some of the film's other shortcomings. Heike Makatsch, is lovely in the female lead. Ben Kingsley as always, gives a splendid performance as the leader of the antagonists. The depiction of the "time-wave" idea is original and unique to cinema, though some of the other special effects had one feeling like you are playing a computer game. A single event in the past (in this case the killing of a butterfly) alters the chain of evolution so much that mutants take over the Earth leaving the protagonists in a race against time to save the human race.
If you do like having an objective understanding of time travel, then this film is a must see, along with
the negative: Butterfly Effect, The (2004- a year before A Sound of Thunder, an adult romance), or even
the positive: Back to the Future (and Trilogy, a family movie), Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (a comedy/horror series), Lost in Space (science fiction /horror)
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Angelic Gift
*Distr.(US) by Newline Cinema (2004)*
I was intrigued by the brilliant examination of the consequences of time travel in TBE. Ladies' heart throb Ashton Kutcher takes the lead as the protagonist trying to save his girl friend from a dreary future. Much of the movie is in flashback mode, with Kutcher (Evan Treborn) having an angelic gift to travel back in time after reading passages from his old diary. The characters in this film are ordinary people and not the usual geeks who build time machines in most science fiction stories. I may warn the faint of heart to be prepared for the morbid consequences depicted that include, suicide, insanity and loss of limbs.
For similar whimsical films about time travel, see
the negative: A Sound of Thunder (2005)
the positive: Back to the Future (and Trilogy, a family movie), Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (a comedy/horror series), Lost in Space (horror/ science fiction)
8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter (2002)
From Saucy to Soapy
Now, here is a different point of view from many about this sitcom. John Ritter is truly the main actor of the series, however, his death should not have been reflected in the theme of the series. I have watched John's career from the days of that divine comedy, "Three's Company" for which he deserves his place in history, to his more recent movies like "Stay Tuned".
Wouldn't it have been sufficient if the producers had paid tributes to John with a flash of his still picture with his date of birth and death, just like an obituary announcement for say, 10 episodes? There are a number of fine comedians (and the list keeps growing), who could easily have played the role of Paul Hennessy. As I watch the episodes about Paul's death, I simply wonder if I am watching a soap or a sitcom, that sadly defeats the purpose of the show. (That's the reason why I am giving this show only 5 stars against 8 before the exit of John Ritter).
When "Three's Company" saw the show continue without Chrissy, (Suzanne Sommers), in quite different circumstances, albeit with another actress with a different name, and above all, in an original style, I don't see why another comedian could not have played the role of the father, Paul, while also even changing the family name of the characters from the Hennessy family to something else. I await the arrival of "Just Shoot Me" 's David Spade in later episodes, who will no doubt bring humor back up to standard. Me? I mainly watch the show to see the what the three lovely ladies are up to next.
Spymate (2003)
Return of Lancelot?
I will say that I enjoyed this movie. Yes, it is a children's movie. I wont get your hope up too high, after all, it is a low budget movie. I was reminded of Lancelot link Secret Chimp (1970) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065309/) I would recommend viewing Spymate with the above to appreciate the advances in CGI (Computer Generated Imagery, and animation). See the animation company credits under the link "View all credits". What's it about? Think of it as pure fantasy -with such ideas as a black belt chimpanzee trained for spy work!?!! There are the familiar names of Chris Potter and Debra Jorup (That 70's show- Eric's mom) along with a few newer names to the movie industry.
They Live (1988)
Aliens Undercover
I thoroughly enjoyed watching "They Live", casting ex- wrestler Roddy Piper, with an impressive body, in the male lead, as the blonde haired Nada, a construction worker, to keep (well, most of) the ladies' attention. Like "War of the Worlds", this film deals with fending off the threat of an alien culture. Meg Foster's enticing eyes, that were not done justice in her earlier role as Evil Lynn, in the eerie, "He Man and the Master's of the Universe", (with Dolph Lundgren) would be worth the price of admission or any other media that this flick is available on. However, I might warn that the violence and gore in this film warrant parental guidance.
The story imagines the hero discovering that aliens with jolly-roger skull like faces, live among the people of Earth, but who can only be seen by wearing a set of spectacles, known only to a secret group of people. As always, director John Carpenter has created a thrilling sci fi flick with a measure of action that mesmerises the viewer to the end. Don't miss it.