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Viorica8957
Reviews
The Canterville Ghost (1996)
Oscar Wilde is laughing at you
There's a certain irony in a parody of the Gothic genre being turned into a mess of clichés by filmmakers who either had no idea what the story's purpose was, or just didn't care. All of the hallmarks of your average family film are present- rambunctious younger siblings, a grumpy teenager who doesn't want to move, unsympathetic parents who are unable to see the apparition, and of course a romantic subplot. The movie has very little in common with Wilde's original story, which was largely written to poke fun at the melodramatic Gothic novellas that were all the rage at the time. If Wilde saw this version, he'd probably laugh- and then of course, write a parody. One can only hope that the children who watched this bland, mass-produced pap eventually discovered the wit and sparkle of the original version.
The Dresden Files (2007)
steadily improving
My first impression of this show (from the pilot) was that it was mediocre, but it's been betting better at a steady rate. Despite a bit of a weak start, the writers and director have really started coming into their own in the later episodes. The actors were always great. The plots have also become much more in-depth, mixing continuing problems (Harry's relationship with the High Council, the restrictions on what Harry can tell Murphy)with "monster of the week" episodes. They also seem to have a sort of sexual tension between the male and female leads, which can be a nice touch, if properly handled, and they seem to be handling it all right. And of course, you have your wisecracking sidekick, but the show writers have also written some depth into him, and a rather sad back-story, which may or may not figure into later episodes. Two thumbs up.
The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (2006)
Cheesy as hell- and that's what made it fun
This is a B-movie, in all its glory, a ripoff of both Indiana Jones AND The Mummy. The dialogue? Horrible. The plot? Even more so. The special effects? Not to be believed. But that's what made it fun to watch. Just for the sake of a good laugh. It's obvious where the characterizations were pulled from (the studly archaeologist/treasure hunter, the studious librarian, etc) and the storyline was cliché as they come. The opening lines between the hero and the villain were cheesy to the max. And of course, the history- well, it wasn't. It was whatever the film makers picked up from other action/adventure stories, or just thought would be cool to throw in. The only people who'd claim this was an actually good film would be eight-year-olds going through a "Indiana Jones" phase. So if you're in the mood for some light entertainment (or want to get your kids out of your hair for a few hours) rent this.
Ghost Rider (2007)
yawn
The only reason I went to see this movie in the first place was because my dad dragged me there, and the only reason I didn't fall asleep was because it was too loud. From the cheesy opening (and the necessary smoking-is-baaaad message) the movie goes downhill. The devil- who, of course if evil- is one of the most one-dimensional villains I've ever had the misfortune to come across. He has no motivation, so how do we know he's evil? Because guys who wear black and carry canes are always evil! Gee, that makes sense. And if that isn't bad enough, his son's name is Blackheart. You know, just in case we couldn't tell he was evil by his black clothes and general Goth look. Ooh! Scary! Did I mention there's also a girl? Who the main character has no chemistry with and ends up leaving at the end of the movie? Which is exactly how the first Spiderman movie goes? C'mon, we all know they're gonna hook up in the sequel, just as we knew he wouldn't give up the gift. And who else guessed that the Old Infospouting Guy would turn out to be the legendary former Ghost Rider? I know I did.
High School Musical (2006)
how the mighty have fallen
When I heard that Kenny Ortega, who directed and choreographed Newsies had done HSM, I had some hope, despite the fact that when I heard some of the songs, I thought I was listening to some boyband. But this trainwreck of a movie is just too awful for words. We have all your high-school stereotypes- the snotty cheerleader, the bitchy teacher, the basketball player who secretly yearns to be artistic, and the new-kid-in-school misfit he falls for. Though I can honestly say that the dancing was quite good- Kenny Ortega hasn't lost his touch in that respect- the rest of the movie was the most hackneyed, cliché thing I have ever had the misfortune of laying my eyes upon. The singing is bad. The acting is bad. The story is bad. High School Musical is to movie-musicals what Eragon is to young adult fantasy- the beginning of the end of quality.
Blood and Chocolate (2007)
Not the book, but still good
We all know by now that the movie doesn't mirror the book. A lot of screen adaptations don't. But that doesn't mean it wasn't any good, or that the director or actors involved deserve to be penalized. I'm a fan of the original novel, and I still enjoyed the movie adaptation. A different spin on the events of the original story can still be good. Now, on to the review. I enjoyed the movie. It's not Oscar-bait, but it didn't make me want to claw my eyes out. I went in expecting to see a supernatural romance, and that's exactly what I got. The actors did a good job with the roles they were given, and the atmosphere was beautiful. I didn't especially like the male lead- I don't think he was supposed to be annoying, but he was. A final 7/10.
Newsies (1992)
A thousand voices . . .
I think one of the most powerful lines in this movie is, "When you got a hundred voices singing, who can hear a lousy whistle blow?". These boys, not much older than I am now, took the future into their own hands, and make the world stand up and take notice. On a lighter level, this movie is fun for the whole family, with music you can sing and dance along to, and jokes that everyone can laugh at. They managed to keep the riot scenes low-key enough to not frighten young viewers while still getting the point across (especially in the scene at Irving Hall)There's also some incredible dance numbers and the singing talent exhibited by the actors blows you away. 10/10.
Blade: The Series (2006)
why I like the show
Well, I'm happy to see the series progressing (though Charlotte scares the hell out of me) I think Marcus and Krista are sweet together. I started watching it halfway through the series, so I had to have someone explain it to me. I'm still not clear on a few points (like what did happen to Krista's brother, anyway?) but I'm satisfied. I hope the series runs for awhile. It gives me something to look forward to. And an excuse to avoid homework, ha! I hope they get the pure bloods! Also, I think Chase and Shen might hook up. I mean, they're both unattached, and tough as nails. I don't think Blade and Krista should be together (see opinion above)