Change Your Image
leriejane
Reviews
Opposite Sex (2000)
AWESOME 10 years later!!
Wow. I found this online and like another viewer, was hooked! I just watched all 8 episodes and surprised that it ended so soon. Smart, funny and the cast has really great dynamics. Based on the premise of 3 young male teens attending a previously all-girl high school. Since they're the only males, they stick out and attempt to fit in. One hilarious scene has them singing at the school's Ladies Night, where groups of girls get together and since "empowerment" type songs. The guys dress in drag and deliver a stunning performance. Another funny episode has these guys coming to the sudden realization that they've been "chickified", and are now behaving like girls (going to the bathroom together, 3-way calling about their day, exchanging cooking recipes). There's too many laugh-out-loud moments to list.
Disappointing that we'll never get to see what happens to Jed & Kate or Cary &Stella. Jed (Milo Ventimiglia) is a good guy, but he has insecurities, especially related to the opposite sex. There's a lot of talk about sex in this series: contemplating, attempting to get laid, etc. But it's not the sole focus, it's definitely not overdone.
One of the best moments is when Jed tells Miranda that he doesn't want to lose his virginity so soon, because he wants to do it when he can be sure that he'll make the girl feel good. A sweet, but conflicted and complex character. Kate (Allison Mack), who's smarter than most adults and can always make Jed laugh, is his true crush, but he gets distracted by the seemingly easy Miranda. Miranda loves shocking people for the sake of it, for example her birthday party "theme" focused on finding two virgins to "sacrifice" at her choosing.
Phil (Kyle Howard) & Cary are the only other two boys at the school. Phil being a "walking GPA" super-focused on doing everything right to get into college including running for city councilman. Cary's not so smart, and tries to define his reputation as a ladies man, but turns out to be a sweet and good-natured. A funny thing about there being only 3 boys at the school, is that the have to wear the same gym uniform as the girls (bright yellow shirt with purple shorts)and their "locker room" is actually the janitor's basement.
This had great actors and great writing, it's really a shame that FOX cancels its best shows all the time. It never had a chance to reach all of its intended audience and its full potential. What's most delightful is seeing actors like Milo Ventimiglia, Allison Mack and Kyle Howard in earlier roles.
Life of Ryan (2007)
It's just a show, period.
This show is a great show. But it is not a documentary! What some people may need to realize, it that it is a REALITY show. It is edited for entertainment, and that's it. The show follows pro skater Ryan Sheckler life: his family and friends. His friends are very tight-knit, and while his mother is portrayed as sweet, his father is portrayed as an objective jackass. Watching the show almost makes me feel like I know all about him, but I draw the line before I reach that point.
A lot of people write that he's a spoiled little brat, who can only focus on getting a girlfriend and trivial issues. But let's bring ourselves down to earth. This guy is still a teenager; if you are past your teen years, it's easy to remember how focused you might've been on present issues. Wasn't almost everything a big deal in high school? That's part of growing up, and we're watching an edited version of him growing up. There's no way I would've complained about the same things now that I did in high school, or worry about the same issues, like getting a girlfriend. For a while the show kept emphasizing his serious desire to have a girlfriend. He got one, then realized he didn't have the time for it. I think what he might really want is some semblance of normalcy in his life.
What's interesting about this show is it sort of brings you into the world of professional skating; we get to see the chaos that he deals with (promotions, competitions, tours) and how he deals with it. Bottom line, underneath it all, yes he's a great skater. Yes, he has a lot of money. But he has the same issues that many other people have, and a lot of the same needs. It's irritating that other people complain about him being spoiled and bratty---who are we to say that we know him personally? The show does play up some "fancy" things about his life, like his material things, and let's face it, it's pretty cool that he has a skate park in his backyard.
Watch the show! Form your own opinion about it; just remember reality shows aren't REAL!