Change Your Image
dawsonbot
Reviews
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
The Terminator Trilogy is Completed
On the heels of the one most overhyped, computer-generated movies of all time (Matrix Reloaded), "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines", rises to the occasion (no pun intended) and completes and possibly continues James Cameron's original vision. Fortunately, for everyone, "Terminator 3" doesn't ruin the credibility of a great story, not like how "Alien 3" destroyed most of James Cameron's vision of "Aliens." The story, though as as much of a central as in T1 and T2, still manages to be very compelling, as what would be expected from "The Terminator." The effects, though does make use of CGIs, isn't overdone, and relies heavily on Stan Winston's "Terminator Effects." Arnold Schwarzenegger's many one-liners, though may abdundant with cheese, still manages to keep credibility with the Terminator saga. The music could be the only fault of the movie, but at least Brad Fiedel's familiar Terminator theme sounds during the end credits. All in all, "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" manages to deliver on almost all levels, and returns Arnold Schwarzenegger back to his star role, after numerous clunkers over the past few years. ("End of Days", "The 6th Day", "Collateral Damage."
* * * 1/2 out of 4.
Star Trek: Voyager (1995)
Why "Voyager" sucks as "Star Trek". . .
Why Voyager Sucks as `Star Trek'
Janeway- Too damn cocky. By about season 6 she just seems overbearing and overconfident. (`What I wouldn't give for a couple of Borg cubes about now, anything for a distraction') She imposes her will on any alien species and disregards the Prime Directive whenever it's an obstacle. She also seems bored in season 7 with her role as Captain. Maybe she should have died in `Equinox Part II'?
Chakotay- Filler material. He does nothing.
Torres- The only believable character on this damn ship.
Paris- Voyager's bad boy becomes Voyager's replacement first officer by season 7. Before he was defiant and cool to watch (especially to Tuvok) but by season 7 it's `Yes ma'am' this and `Aye, Captain' that. And what's the deal with the Captain Proton novels as a `historical study'? Holy Lord, Tom. Everyone has a had a comic book obsession at one time or another.
Neelix- Why couldn't he have found those Talaxians in the FOURTH season? Otherwise, Ethan Phillips could have taken three years off the show and be replaced by a highly detailed CGI and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
The Doctor- Holy Lord, if I have to hear one more reference to `photons be free' and `holograms are people too' and `I'm a hologram! I'm photonic! You organics are disgusting' I am going to scream. He would have been cooler if they never found that damn mobile emitter. And I also hate it when the Doctor disobeys orders all the time, (`Flesh and Blood Part I and II' `Virtuoso' and a couple others) puts Voyager and crew at risk, fails miserably at whatever he's trying to do, comes crawling back to Janeway and she just says `You're just trying to be like the rest of us'?! WTF? Tom Paris does the same thing and what does he get? 30 days in the brig and reduced to ensign? ECH? What the hell? Why not just program Data to do the same thing on TNG? How about Geordi's VISOR? Maybe that can take command if a problem arises!
Tuvok- Must we have a Data character on every `Star Trek'? Data was one of my favourite characters on `The Next Generation' but Tuvok is just BORING plain and simple. By season 7, he does NOTHING. He becomes a glorified Chakotay.
Seven of Nine- Nice body, female Tuvok. Next.
Harry Kim- See `Demon.' He becomes so Janeway-esque it's sad. He a Tom Paris poser and it's not a good thing. By season 7, he tries to become so individual to the crew, while at the same time, kisses Chakotay's Indian ass all the time. (`How did you sleep Commander?' `Good to see you Commander.')
Voyager The Ship- It's ½ the size of the Enterprise-D, yet it's as mighty as a Starbase for Christ's sakes! (Janeway: `We've beat the Borg before, we'll do it again') How can 1 ship defeat 3 Borg cubes, when 40 ships couldn't beat 1 in `The Best of Both Worlds'? And whenever a problem arises, say a shockwave that destroys planets comes along, what do we do? Enhance the shields with some Treknobabble! Use our convenient Borg/Temporal sensors! Whip out the Delta Flyer, it's a really small Enterprise! And how many times did they eject that warp core?!
The Borg- `I will be recognized as Borg.' `You underestimate the Borg.' `15 Borg vessel on an intercept course.' Good Lord. Now I'm glad that DS9 had no Borg episodes! It would have tarnished a great sci-fi series! Had Voyager never encountered the Borg, they'd probably still be out there! There are so many plot holes involving the Borg. (The transwarp hub, why is this here if they have transwarp drives on their ships?! The Raven sent to find the Borg by STARFLEET?! The Enterprise was the first to find the Borg about 7 years after STARFLEET supposedly sent the Raven after them. Everyone claims Seven of Nine was the only person to escape the Borg? Didn't Captain Jean-Luc Picard [someone VERY famous] escape the Borg?!) I guess it's very convenient to ignore facts when they get in the way aren't they Berman?
`Star Trek' died when `Deep Space Nine' left the air in 1999. It had a great 33 years. `Voyager' and `Enterprise' tarnish this once great series. Thanks Rick!
Family Feud (1999)
Sub-par. . .and then there was "Al."
Louie Anderson was an OK host, but the "new" "Family Feud" with Richard Karn takes the cake. After fumbling and bumbling with "Family Feud" for three years, Fremantle Media has gotten it right in season four. Richard Karn is an excellent host. The new set is awesome. The music has been tweaked to make it good, (although no "Family Feud" theme will compare to the original) The new changes reminds me of when Ray Combs took over as host back in 1988.
Star Trek: Generations (1994)
Boldly go. . .where the Star Trek films have never gone before.
I can remember the seventh season of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" back in 1994. Great season with terrific episodes like "Descent Part II", "Genesis", "Journey's End", and "All Good Things. . ." just to name a few. It had already been announced as "Star Trek: The Next Generation"'s final season. With "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" in its second season and everyone preparing for the launch of UPN and "Star Trek: Voyager" in January 1995, all eyes were pointed at the 2 hour, final episode of "The Next Generation." With the conclusion of the series in May 1994, we wouldn't have to wait long to see Captain Jean-Luc Picard's crew and the U.S.S. Enterprise, with the release of "Star Trek: Generations" in the fall of 1994. The movie had been hugely hyped up as "the death of Captain Kirk." Sureley that would attract Trekkers and non-Trekkers alike, but somewhere in the hype, something was lost, and it was the story.
The movie starts back in the 23rd century where "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" left off. The U.S.S. Enterprise-A is decommissioned, and its crew has retired from Starfleet. With the launch of the U.S.S. Enterprise-B in this film, we have our guests of honor: Commander Pavel Chekov, Captain Montgomery Scott (who guest starred in "Star Trek: The Next Generation"'s' sixth season episode - "Relics") and Captain James T. Kirk. As the Enterprise ends it maiden voyage, it receives a distress call from two El Aurian ships caught in an energy ribbon. The Enterprise hurries to save them, but one ship is destroyed. Scotty manages to save 47 from the other ship, but soon the Enterprise becomes stuck in the ribbon. Their only hope, is to use the deflector dish to fire an anti-matter discharge into the ribbon that would free the ship. Captain Kirk hurries to make the modifications. In the nick of time, the Enterprise is freed, but the ribbon leaves its mark, as it tears a large chunk of the secondary hull (containing Kirk) away from the ship. Kirk is presumed dead.
Flash-forward 78 years. On a holographic replica of the frigate Enterprise on the holodeck of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, Lieutenant Worf is promoted to lieutenant commander. In his struggle to understand human emotions, Data attempts to get into the spirit of things by pushing Dr. Beverly Crusher over the bow the frigate Enterprise, but gets mixed results from his peers. Also, Captain Picard gets a message that his brother's family (last seen in the fourth season's "Family") has died in a fire. Picard becomes very depressed. But in addition to that, a solar observatory has been attacked and left in ruin by the Romulans. Among the survivors is a Dr. Tolian Soran, one of the 47 that Scotty saved 78 years ago. Meanwhile, Data decides to implant his emotion chip that he recovered from his evil brother Lore in "Descent Part II." Once the chip is in place, Data begins to act like a jackass - constantly laughing at everything.
Commander Riker informs Picard that the Romulans were on the observatory looking for some of their trilithium. Picard orders Data and Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge to search the observatory for the resin. Once on the observatory, Data malfunctions. In an attempt to return to the Enterprise, Data and Geordi are taken captive by Dr. Soran. Meanwhile, Picard tells Counselor Deanna Troi was has happened to his family. In the midst of their discussion, the star in the system mysteriously explodes and they've lost contact with Data and Geordi. The explosion of the star has produced a shockwave that will destroy everything in the system. Riker and Worf attempt to save Data and Geordi. Soran abducts Geordi and beams to a Klingon ship, captained by the Duras sisters last seen in the episode "Inheritance." Riker, Data, and Worf return to the Enterprise and warp away, just as the oberservatory is destroyed.
As Dr. Soran tortures Geordi for information on trilithium, Picard learns that Data's emotion chip has been fused into his neural net and cannot be removed. However, Data remains competent enough to uncover Soran's plan. He is destroying stars to alter the energy ribbons course to Veridian III so he can return to the "Nexus." Picard learns from Guinan, the bartender on the Enterprise, and who was also one of the 47 that the Nexus is like heaven, and Soran has become obsessed with returning there. Once at Veridian III, the Enterprise encounters the Klingons. They agree to trade Geordi for Captain Picard, if Picard can first talk to Soran down on the planet. They agree, and Geordi returns to the Enterprise. However, the Klingons use Geordi's VISOR to spy on the Enterprise. On the planet, Picard seems hopeless trying to convince Soran not to destroy the star, which in turn, will destroy a populated planet.
The Klingons see a console on the Enterprise that will allow their photon torpedoes to pass through the Enterprise's shields. The Enterprise is attacked and heavily damaged. Data devises a plan to force the Klingons to cloak, which will lower their shields. The plan works and the Klingons are destroyed. However, the Enterprise's warp core has been too heavily damaged and is going to breach. Riker orders the evacuation of the secondary hull and the ship to be separated. With the crew evacuated and the ship separated, it slowly flies away, but the core breach explodes and the shockwave catches the Enterprise's saucer module. With all controls off-line, the Enterprise crashes on the planet.
With no one to stop Soran, he destroys the star. The ribbon catches him and Picard and they are transported to the Nexus. But the shockwave destroys Veridian III, the Enterprise, and all the planets in the system. Once in th e Nexus, Picard convinces Captain Kirk, who was also caught in the Nexus 78 years earlier to come to the 24th century with him to stop Soran. Time repeats, the Enterprise crashes, and Picard and Kirk fight Soran. Soran is killed, and the explosion is averted, but Captain Kirk is killed as well. Picard buries him on the planet, and three Starfleet vessels begin to save the Enterprise crew. Although there were no deaths, the Enterprise can't be salvaged. The ships speed back to Earth to await construction of the Enterprise-E.
***
The story itself would be pretty good as the final episode of "The Next Generation", but everyone was looking forward to the death of Captain Kirk, and the "Next Generation" storyline really interfered with that. But all in all, this is an OK movie.
Music
Was composed by Dennis McCarthy, who also composed the music for the series. It is good and fits the movie well.
SFX
As always, done by Industrial Light and Magic. The Enterprise destruction was a shocking piece of film. After seven years, it is finally destroyed. The crash sequence is also well done. Other mentions go to the damaging of the Enterprise-B. The only problem is that they used old footage of the Klingon ship being destroyed for the film.
Overall
The movie may have been one of the best from 1994. But, as it compares to other Star Trek films as it falls victim to the Star Trek "odd numbered curse", you may want to see "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" or "Star Trek: First Contact" first. Those movies really shine as the crown jewls of the film franchise.
**1/2 out of ****
Royal Rumble (1994)
The best Royal Rumble ever!
People usually say things like the 1992, 1995, or 1997 Rumbles are the best, but Royal Rumble 1994 always comes to mind as the best Royal Rumble ever. It serves at the starting point for one of the most bitter feuds in World Wrestling Federation history; Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart. The incident with the Undertaker is cheesy and supernatural, but this is sports entertainment dammit! The events leading up to his "death" (10 superstars interfering in the match) is pretty cool which is revisted in 1998, and the most controversial finish of the Royal Rumble takes place here when Bret hart and Lex Luger and eliminated simultaneously thus having co-winners of the Rumble (which means double main event at WrestleMania X)!
10/10
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
Not exactly Shakespeare, but it get the point across.
It has been called everything from "The Emotionless Picture" to "The Motion-Sickness Picture", still the inaugural Star Trek film was a galla premiere on December 6, 1979 in Washington DC.
Originally the pilot episode for the proposed series "Star Trek: Phase II", the movie was written by creator Gene Roddenberry and directed by Robert Wise at one Star Trek's peak of popularity. The story finds a seperated crew of the newly refitted U.S.S. Enterprise embarking into the final frontier to halt the approach of a devestating enemy on its way towards Earth. Our hero, Admiral James T. Kirk uses yet another loophole to find his way back to the command chair of the Enterprise, much to the chagrin of new captain Williard Decker.
Upon the midpoint, the navigator Lieutenant Ilia is captured and killed by the alien (named "V'Ger") and then is used to communicate with the crew. The finale is Decker and Ilia merging with V'Ger to save Earth and the Enterprise.
Two years after the priemiere of Star Wars: Episode IV, Star Trek: The Motion Picture would become the first in a chain of bad Trek films. (The odd-numbered curse) It seems that most of the movie is stunning visual and special effects (made by George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic) of the Enterprise, and V'Ger. This complicated the story which was pretty vague to begin with. Also due to time constraints, many parts of the movie and pre-empted in the theatres, however they are just more shots of the Enterprise.
Yet, despite the terrible story and bad critic reviews, it made lots of money which led the wonderful Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. (later re-named Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan) Later re-released on DVD with new matte shots of Vulcan, visual shots of the Enterprise and the innards of V'Ger as Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
Not exactly Shakespeare, but it get the point across.
It has been called everything from "The Emotionless Picture" to "The Motion-Sickness Picture", still the inaugural Star Trek film was a galla premiere on December 6, 1979 in Washington DC.
Originally the pilot episode for the proposed series "Star Trek: Phase II", the movie was written by creator Gene Roddenberry and directed by Robert Wise at one Star Trek's peak of popularity. The story finds a seperated crew of the newly refitted U.S.S. Enterprise embarking into the final frontier to halt the approach of a devestating enemy on its way towards Earth. Our hero, Admiral James T. Kirk uses yet another loophole to find his way back to the command chair of the Enterprise, much to the chagrin of new captain Williard Decker.
Upon the midpoint, the navigator Lieutenant Ilia is captured and killed by the alien (named "V'Ger") and then is used to communicate with the crew. The finale is Decker and Ilia merging with V'Ger to save Earth and the Enterprise.
Two years after the priemiere of Star Wars: Episode IV, Star Trek: The Motion Picture would become the first in a chain of bad Trek films. (The odd-numbered curse) It seems that most of the movie is stunning visual and special effects (made by George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic) of the Enterprise, and V'Ger. This complicated the story which was pretty vague to begin with. Also due to time constraints, many parts of the movie and pre-empted in the theatres, however they are just more shots of the Enterprise.
Yet, despite the terrible story and bad critic reviews, it made lots of money which led the wonderful Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. (later re-named Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan) Later re-released on DVD with new matte shots of Vulcan, visual shots of the Enterprise and the innards of V'Ger as Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition
Family Feud (1976)
The top 3 answers on the board..."Name the best incarnation of 'Family Feud.'"
SURVEY SAYS: Richard's Feud. Richard was and ever shall be the true host of "Family Feud." Richard's quick wit and overall likeable personallity made this show click. I'd pick this show over "Fear Factor" or "Weakest Link" any day. In this world of primetime "game shows" (if you can call them that anymore) you don't see the kind of aoura that this show presents. 2 actual families comprised of 5 members each must guess popular answers to a 100 person survey. The first team to 200 points (300 by 1979, and 400 by 1985) wins the game, the cololected survey money and chance to play "Fast Money" for $5,000. ($10,000 on the syndicated version) When the show ended its run thanks to "Wheel of Fortune" in 1985, it featured one of the most tear-filled good byes in TV history. "Family Feud" is an American icon. One that will resonate through ages.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
"It's a far, far better thing that I do. . ."
The best Star Trek film that the world has ever known. Too bad it is kept out of the top 250 by .1 vote! Impressive story and special effects topped only by the chemistry by the characters. Montalban is now a different Khan than in '66. Best villian ever. James Horner's score is spectacular and Meyer's directing surpasses any other Trek film. Spock dies, but in the world of Star Trek, death is almost never a constant. He'll be back. ..
4 stars out of 4.
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
An objective view. . .
People like to make mention of "the odd-numbered" curse. That is justified. But, let's look at "Star Trek: Insurrection" objectively.
Not comparing to other "Star Trek: The Film Frontier" movies, it is an OK movie, but at times, it feels like a bloated TV episode. (Especially where Patrick Stewart wastes time talking to Admiral Dougherty)
The "fountain of youth" idea has been visited before in "Star Trek: The Original Series"' episode "The Omega Glory". But every time it has been used, it wasn't a true fountain of youth. In "Star Trek: Insurrection" it is genuine.
Rick Berman and the other cast members have the audacity to say that this film was the best "Star Trek" film since "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." (which also had mixed reactions) But I think it is funny how they change their minds after the fans have seen it. Look at "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier." James Doohan (Scotty) said the fans would be pleased with it, and then three weeks later says the movie sucks.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard has become the 24th century's Kirk. In "Star Trek: Generations" he is a total wimp. In "Star Trek: First Contact" we see for the first time, a sign of bitter rage from Captain Picard. Unfortunately, he has dropped it for the more "role model" look for humanity in this film.
Data's character has changed dramatically since "Star Trek: The Next Generation." But what is unsettling about this film, is that Data never even sets foot on the bridge!
Riker's character has reverted back to it's boyish character from season one of TNG. He has shaved the beard, and has become more likeable.
Dr. Crusher has aged greatly. She needs to finally get together with Captain Jean-Luc Picard though. Or someone else.
Counselor Troi has changed for the better since "Star Trek: The Next Generation." I can remember in "Disaster" she didn't know a sensor array from a tricorder. In "Star Trek: Insurrection" she uses a tricorder and wants to vaporize things with her phaser! A good film for her.
Worf needs to find a place and stay there. It was very "un Trek-Like" to have Worf's reason for being on the U.S.S. Enterprise interrupted by Riker and Geordi. Since he left Deep Space Nine to be the ambassador to Kronos, it is doubtful he will return in "Star Trek: X"
Geordi has returned to the bridge. In the first season of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", he was the pilot for the ship, but then becomes the chief engineer. In "Star Trek: Insurrection", we don't know if he is the pilot or the engineer.
Ru'Afo is definately not up to par as a villian. He has every chance to evilliy take the planet, but he just sits in his office and pouts. When he kills Admiral Dougherty, it is just to re-assure us that he is "the bad guy."
Anij is not any Lily Sloane. Lily was a better love interest for Captain Picard because she could relate to our time, but Anij seems like she is from the 17th century, but she is more attractive that Lily.
And finally Admiral Dougherty. Anthony Zerbe?! I can think of a few more people that would play him better. Like Robert DeNiro, or Sean Connery.
In summary, "Star Trek: Insurrection" may be a disappointment, but it depends on what genre of "Star Trek" fan you are. If you liked the Dominion War saga from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" this movie isn't for you. But if you were a person who watched "Star Trek" because of its optimistic outlook of the future, than you'd like it.
It's like Captain Picard said: "Can anyone remember when we used to be explorers?"
Besides, if they used this film for character development, just imagine what "Star Trek X" will be like.
Jesse 'The Body' Ventura: The Man, the Myth, the Legend (1999)
Welcome to Saturday Night's Main Event. - Jesse Ventura
I started watching wrestling in 1994, so I missed Ventura in the World Wrestling Federation, but that didn't stop me from renting the first six WrestleManias from Coliseum Video. Let me say, Ventura was great as a commentator. A former wrestler, he knew his way around the ring. He used to host NBC's Saturday Night's Main Event along side with Vince McMahon, and it was hilaious to hear Ventura rip on Mr. McMahon's clothes, or intelligence. Now as an analyst for the XFL, he returns his style of commentary to the new era. Also featured is interviews from Gorilla Monsoon, and "Classy" Freddie Blassie.
The Cable Guy (1996)
Not the comedy fans expectations, but a great Carrey film nonetheless.
To paraphase one Vince McMahon, "In the interests of fairness. . ."
This movie was well done by Jim Carrey. People hated this movie because they we're expecting Jim Carrey's hillbilly humor by saying things like "Smokin'!!" or "All righty then." That isn't what he was trying to portray here. He is trying to portray a lonely, TV-crazed cable guy. He actually had some intelligence, unlike his other characters. The karaoke scene was hillarious. I found myself downloading the song on Napster. Matthew Broderick was OK as Steven Kovacs. It has one simple message. He says it in the final scene.
"Someone has to kill the babysitter." and in this case, he babysitter is the one who raised him. The TV. He then plummets to the satellite, forcing at least one guy to pick up a book and read. In closing, I say:
"Want some hardcore Carrey comedy? Go rent Dumb and Dumber. Want a Carrey performance that delves into the mind? See The Cable Guy, Man on the Moon, or The Truman Show."
The Simpsons (1989)
A show of galactic proportions.
Since the show's debut in 1989, The Simpsons has ballooned up, not as a kiddie-cartoon, but a show you would mention if talking about "Frasier", "Perfect Strangers", or "Seinfeld". The other competetion can't touch The Simpsons. (South Park, King of the Hill) A stack of clever jokes, witty rebanters, and parody songs, scenes, and shows. A celebrity guest star every week. An insult to FOX television every week.
Homer: I've invested in something called "News Corp." Lisa: Dad, that's FOX! Homer: Ahh! Undo! Undo!
Marge: Fortunately, I had a network connection. The man who cut my hair was also president of FOX.
Operator: Animation up 2 points. Homer: Yahoo! Operator: Yahoo! Up 8 points. Homer: What is this crap? Operator: FOX Broadcasting, down 7 points.
So if they're choking their son, or poking some fun, The Simpsons will keep on gagging for years to come.
This will be the last season :-)
Perfect Strangers (1986)
2nd to Family Feud
Perfect Strangers was my favorite show. I couldn't get enough of it! When it started in 1987, I was only a year old! But by 1989 I saw this neat show on T.V. of a guy in vest, and a man with a tie saying all kinds of hilarious phrases. The co-stars were fabulous! Jennifer, Mary-Anne, Mr. Gorpley, Hariette (who later starred in Family Matters) The episodes were sheer fun.
"Balki's family has been in a 500 year Feud with another Myposian family, and challenges Balki and Larry to a duel at the Chronicle."
You're not gonna see that on that WAY to cute "Full House"
The theme song was very catchy. I find myself humming it all the time. I've even got it on Napster.
Perfect Strangers was the best ABC sitcom, they ever cooked up. I've got a petition going, to Nick at Nite and TV Land. Bring Bck Perfect Strangers re-runs! LARRY AND BALKI! LARRY AND BALKI! LARRY AND BALKI!