Ultimately the title of the series proved to be more about the series itself than the events in its stories. Remove a defective card that was nevertheless part of its foundation and the whole house collapses. I was hoping that Claire would blossom on her own without Frank (Claire is certainly smart and ruthless enough), but ultimately the show was too much about Frank to safely remove that particular card. I do hope in the near future Robin Wright manages to get a decent lead role where her character isn't under another character's shadow. I only give it two stars because the characters not introduced this season were generally well acted despite the terrible writing.
Reviews
14 Reviews
The Last Heist
(2016)
Great Movie for MST3K Fans
10 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those movies that's hard to rate because on a storytelling level it's really bad, but for that very reason it's highly entertaining. Chock full of so bad it's good moments. Before things go south the killer manages to intimidate a woman into butting in line to use a safety deposit box, right in front of a guard and the manager. A robber frisks a woman for a phone but doesn't check her back pocket. A robber manages to fight energetically while bleeding out. At a point where the robbers know there's a serial killer roaming around, a robber agrees to take an old lady to the bathroom, thus separating them. A robber steps outside while the police are there and isn't immediately arrested. There's a still-working elevator that's been walled off. And I haven't even gotten to the twists that happen near the end. Other than it being way too recent to be in the public domain, it would be a perfect movie for Mystery Science Theater 3000. Get a group of friends together and have fun riffing on this.
Superguy: Behind the Cape
(2000)
Post-9/11 Look at Superheroes?
7 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
As with a lot of people on this board, I discovered this DVD at Wal-Mart. Realizing that all kinds of things could go wrong, particularly since it was clearly going to be a low budget thing, I bought it in the remote chance that they would actually do the concept right. Happily they did.
Possible spoilers: The disc has copyright dates of 2000 and 2004 but the IMDb date of 2002 seems more accurate: people jumping off of buildings, successful terrorist attacks on American soil, the impotency of the superhero to solve all real life problems... the film very much feels like how superheroes were perceived even by many comic book readers right after 9/11.
To that end I don't necessarily agree with all the film's conclusions (I think the concept of the superhero as metaphor for aspiring for something greater is stronger than the filmmakers give it credit for) but the fact that a low budget film warrants analysis in terms of both the hero archetype and as a metaphor for 9/11 is very impressive.
If you want to take a chance on any $5 DVD at Wal-Mart or similar store, I'd make it this one.
Possible spoilers: The disc has copyright dates of 2000 and 2004 but the IMDb date of 2002 seems more accurate: people jumping off of buildings, successful terrorist attacks on American soil, the impotency of the superhero to solve all real life problems... the film very much feels like how superheroes were perceived even by many comic book readers right after 9/11.
To that end I don't necessarily agree with all the film's conclusions (I think the concept of the superhero as metaphor for aspiring for something greater is stronger than the filmmakers give it credit for) but the fact that a low budget film warrants analysis in terms of both the hero archetype and as a metaphor for 9/11 is very impressive.
If you want to take a chance on any $5 DVD at Wal-Mart or similar store, I'd make it this one.
The Singing Detective
(1986)
A Great Series, Now Out on DVD
17 May 2003
I discovered this at my local library and it is truly one of the all time great TV shows. A complex plot that rewards viewers' patience. Great performances, particularly by Gambon. Thus far the movie hasn't been released nationwide so I can't speak for the quality, but even if it proves to be terrible, at least it appears to have paved the way for the DVD version, which I pretty much expected when I learned of the film. This series deserves to be better known world-wide than it is, and hopefully the DVD set (which includes a director/producer Commentary track for every episode, specials on Dennis Potter, etc.) will make the series better known to people.
The Making of 'Terror Firmer'
(2001 Video)
Deserves Serious Study
28 February 2003
Anyone with a strong stomach who is interested in filmmaking and/or who is considering taking part in a Troma film should view this movie, which can be found on the Terror Firmer DVD.
This film pulls no punches on the rigours of making a Troma movie, showing it to be a job that you have to really want to be a part of to take part in. Director Lloyd Kaufman is not always portrayed in the most positive light, often yelling at people on both sides of the camera. It really shows that Troma may make comedic movies, but it takes the filmmaking process very seriously.
As with Terror Firmer itself, the documentary has male and female frontal nudity, fake excrement, etc. so it is not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle strong material, you'll be rewarded with an honest look at the world of filmmaking, Troma style.
This film pulls no punches on the rigours of making a Troma movie, showing it to be a job that you have to really want to be a part of to take part in. Director Lloyd Kaufman is not always portrayed in the most positive light, often yelling at people on both sides of the camera. It really shows that Troma may make comedic movies, but it takes the filmmaking process very seriously.
As with Terror Firmer itself, the documentary has male and female frontal nudity, fake excrement, etc. so it is not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle strong material, you'll be rewarded with an honest look at the world of filmmaking, Troma style.
The Midnight Special
(1972–1981)
Review of Andy Kaufman Episode
28 February 2003
The only episode I've seen of this is the Andy Kaufman episode which aired January 23, 1981, and which is out on DVD (Sony Music). This review thus reflects that episode and not the series as a whole.
There are two aspects to this special: a stage show with the usual Andy Kaufman antics (including the use of Tony Clifton) and behind the scenes material.
It's hard to know how seriously to take the behind the scenes material, as Kaufman is pretty poker-faced when he's playing a prank, and as it refers to Kaufman's wrestling career which (in terms of his feud with Jerry Lawyer) has been confirmed to be an elaborate hoax. Of course that makes the material more edgy because you don't know to what extent you're getting into the mind of one of the most fascinating entertainers ever and to what extent he's pulling your leg.
The stage material is pretty typical for Kaufman, which still means it's a lot of fun and offbeat.
The episode is a worthwhile addition to the collection of any fan of the performer.
There are two aspects to this special: a stage show with the usual Andy Kaufman antics (including the use of Tony Clifton) and behind the scenes material.
It's hard to know how seriously to take the behind the scenes material, as Kaufman is pretty poker-faced when he's playing a prank, and as it refers to Kaufman's wrestling career which (in terms of his feud with Jerry Lawyer) has been confirmed to be an elaborate hoax. Of course that makes the material more edgy because you don't know to what extent you're getting into the mind of one of the most fascinating entertainers ever and to what extent he's pulling your leg.
The stage material is pretty typical for Kaufman, which still means it's a lot of fun and offbeat.
The episode is a worthwhile addition to the collection of any fan of the performer.
Captain America
(1966)
Range of Materials Covered
28 February 2003
It would be pointless for me to do a long review of this show because I've already reviewed Marvel Superheroes, and my review of the blanket title will mostly suffice for this show. What makes this one very slightly different is that episodes cover not only Cap's solo series (both "present day" and World War II) but also the Avengers when he was leading Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch. Beyond that, the same unintentionally funny animation and sound effects as the rest of the original Marvel Superheroes line.
Captain America
(1990)
Time Passer
28 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I rented this for 50c+tax Canadian and more or less got my money's worth, but really a few cents more might have tipped the scales. This film felt pretty lifeless and most of it has faded from memory beyond bits and pieces such as:
SPOILERS (next two paragraphs): A perhaps too actively involved President (though not as bad as Independence Day on that score), Cap going into suspended animation in his first time out (at least a few battles would have made him seem the legendary figure he's supposed to be), and a costume that somehow looks weaker than the 1970s TV movie costumes despite being more faithful in design.
I did like the romance aspect as far as it went, but according to a magazine article (probably Comics Scene), test audiences got it cut out because they didn't want Cap to be too involved with an older woman, even if she was his girlfriend before the suspended animation.
Mildly interesting to watch if you're really curious to see it, but you can do a lot better even if you stick to the superheroes.
SPOILERS (next two paragraphs): A perhaps too actively involved President (though not as bad as Independence Day on that score), Cap going into suspended animation in his first time out (at least a few battles would have made him seem the legendary figure he's supposed to be), and a costume that somehow looks weaker than the 1970s TV movie costumes despite being more faithful in design.
I did like the romance aspect as far as it went, but according to a magazine article (probably Comics Scene), test audiences got it cut out because they didn't want Cap to be too involved with an older woman, even if she was his girlfriend before the suspended animation.
Mildly interesting to watch if you're really curious to see it, but you can do a lot better even if you stick to the superheroes.
Goldeneye
(1989 TV Movie)
Decent Time Passer/Quasi-Bond Film
28 February 2003
This film features the adventures of Ian Fleming, the real life spy who wrote the original James Bond novels.
This film plays vaguely like a Bond movie, though with more realism and less action. It does have the same sort of flirtatious attitude to it, though. This makes the film a rather interesting curiousity piece for Bond fans.
Lots of allusions to Bond, not just direct references, hinting that a number of things in Fleming's life got put into the novels. I'm not sure about the accuracy of these allusions, but they do enhance the film. And one death in the film affectedly more emotionally than the vast majority of Bond movie deaths.
It is a bit dry at times, and does have a bit of a TV movie feel to it. That said, overall I was pleasantly surprised, and this is certainly above average for a TV movie. Bond completists should definitely check this one out.
This film plays vaguely like a Bond movie, though with more realism and less action. It does have the same sort of flirtatious attitude to it, though. This makes the film a rather interesting curiousity piece for Bond fans.
Lots of allusions to Bond, not just direct references, hinting that a number of things in Fleming's life got put into the novels. I'm not sure about the accuracy of these allusions, but they do enhance the film. And one death in the film affectedly more emotionally than the vast majority of Bond movie deaths.
It is a bit dry at times, and does have a bit of a TV movie feel to it. That said, overall I was pleasantly surprised, and this is certainly above average for a TV movie. Bond completists should definitely check this one out.
Captain America II: Death Too Soon
(1979 TV Movie)
Some Unintentional Humour Value
28 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Not as funny as the 1966 cartoon, this TV movie still has its moments.
SPOILERS: Miguel is said to be a master of disguise, but as far as can be told this is only so that Christopher Lee, who is decidedly not hispanic, could play someone called Miguel. The scientists test Miguel's aging serum on a cat, but can't seem to find a test subject for the antidote (the cat, perhaps?). Plus great 1970s TV sound effects. And the opening scene with the purse snatcher is pure cornball.
A downside for both people trying to take it serious and those who are not is that Steve Rogers doesn't appear enough as Cap. On the other hand it must be conceded that the TV movie does have a very catchy theme tune.
For people looking for the unintentional laughs, this one is best viewed with another person. For people wanting a solid Cap tale that's true to the source material and can be taken seriously...stick with the comics; the definitive TV or movie Cap adventure has yet to be told.
SPOILERS: Miguel is said to be a master of disguise, but as far as can be told this is only so that Christopher Lee, who is decidedly not hispanic, could play someone called Miguel. The scientists test Miguel's aging serum on a cat, but can't seem to find a test subject for the antidote (the cat, perhaps?). Plus great 1970s TV sound effects. And the opening scene with the purse snatcher is pure cornball.
A downside for both people trying to take it serious and those who are not is that Steve Rogers doesn't appear enough as Cap. On the other hand it must be conceded that the TV movie does have a very catchy theme tune.
For people looking for the unintentional laughs, this one is best viewed with another person. For people wanting a solid Cap tale that's true to the source material and can be taken seriously...stick with the comics; the definitive TV or movie Cap adventure has yet to be told.
Troma's Edge TV
(2000–2001)
"Edge" Has an Edge
27 February 2003
Five episodes has been released in a DVD set. As with most Troma films, the gags in the TV series are a bit hit and miss, but never boring. This show pushed the envelope with its humour, and offered a refreshing change from the usual sitcom fare. The DVD actually includes scenes that were too extreme for the show, no small feat for a TV series that regularly had nudity (sometimes full frontal), R-equivalent sexuality, and other typical Troma elements. I hope that subsequent DVDs collect the rest of the run.
Hulk
(1966)
Ever Loving Bad Theme Song
27 February 2003
I've reviewed the stylistic elements of the Marvel Superheroes cartoons (which are all pretty interchangeable between the various series)under the blanket title and won't rehash those here. I will say that this show has some of the strangest theme songs you'll ever hear, very bright and sunny for a show about a rampaging monster. And while the Thing may be ever loving, that description doesn't quite fit the Hulk so well.
Legends of the Superheroes
(1979)
Profoundly Unintentionally Funny
8 August 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Of all the unintentionally funny things I've seen in my time, this is the only one I would actually consider to be a profound experience. This is one of the most awful things I have ever seen, and that's a compliment.
SPOILERS! Skip to the last paragraph to avoid reading about the best bad moments. Key details revealed here:
The first episode, the Challenge has Captain Marvel being fooled into thinking he needs to see a shrink; he's not suspicious with a psychiatrist office appears out of nowhere. The Flash runs, stands still in front of picnickers for no reason, then runs again. Everyone visits the same gas station when a woman on the phone provides commentary. A ray removes everyone's powers and even seems to affect non-powered heroes.
The second episode is (I'm not kidding) a Roast hosted by Ed McMahon; both he and the villains seem to have full access to the heroes' headquarters so they can roast the heroes. Highlight is Legion of Super-Heroes foe Mordru performing "That's Entertainment", though Batman and Robin getting into a shtick about a broken Batmobile is another classic bad moment.
Somewhere in both episodes is some idiot named Retired Man.
So bad, but in a funny way, that it sets the standard that every incompetently done TV show or movie should aspire to.
SPOILERS! Skip to the last paragraph to avoid reading about the best bad moments. Key details revealed here:
The first episode, the Challenge has Captain Marvel being fooled into thinking he needs to see a shrink; he's not suspicious with a psychiatrist office appears out of nowhere. The Flash runs, stands still in front of picnickers for no reason, then runs again. Everyone visits the same gas station when a woman on the phone provides commentary. A ray removes everyone's powers and even seems to affect non-powered heroes.
The second episode is (I'm not kidding) a Roast hosted by Ed McMahon; both he and the villains seem to have full access to the heroes' headquarters so they can roast the heroes. Highlight is Legion of Super-Heroes foe Mordru performing "That's Entertainment", though Batman and Robin getting into a shtick about a broken Batmobile is another classic bad moment.
Somewhere in both episodes is some idiot named Retired Man.
So bad, but in a funny way, that it sets the standard that every incompetently done TV show or movie should aspire to.
Misfits of Science
(1985–1986)
Dated but still fun
8 August 2002
I was really into the show when it first aired. I remember being quite disappointed when the show got cancelled and was hoping for an eventual revival. But then one year later Dean Paul Martin met an untimely end in a plane accident, and then Kevin Peter Hall later died due to his medical condition. So much for that idea.
A couple of years ago I saw some episodes on TV Land. They hadn't aged quite as well but I still quite enjoyed them. I don't know if I could really recommend the show to someone coming in cold and who didn't have any childhood affection for the series, but it still has its moments.
A couple of years ago I saw some episodes on TV Land. They hadn't aged quite as well but I still quite enjoyed them. I don't know if I could really recommend the show to someone coming in cold and who didn't have any childhood affection for the series, but it still has its moments.
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