cipher123 Reviews

Tour of Duty (1987–1990)

Outstanding and underrated series.

[13 September 2000]

"Tour Of Duty" is quite frankly one of my most favorite TV series of all time, and for good reason too. Aside from being highly entertaining, the show made attempts to show what life was like for soldiers during the Vietnam war. In spite of prime time network regulations, the stories were gritty and unglamorous, and rarely were there any feel-good endings to episodes.

It's a shame that many of the talented actors who made up the "Tour Of Duty" cast (with the exception of John Dye and Kim Delaney) aren't seen as often on TV anymore. I hope that there's a slim chance of a reunion movie being made, given the strong following this show developed over the years.

Anastasia (1997)

Substandard Bluth film is not a threat to Disney.

[2/10 · 1 September 2000]

Despite its beautiful animation, "Anastasia" falls flat on its face due to an extremely bad script. To date, the only good movies Don Bluth has ever put out are "The Secret Of Nimh" and "An American Tail" (only the original, not the godawful sequel). There is practically no character development and the final conflict between Rasputin and Anastasia makes absolutely no sense.

I especially found the music to be horrendous, especially the tune that plays during the scene in Rasputin's lair with all the bugs and worms singing (I cringed in terror every second during this scene). The only good song was probably the one Anastasia sings herself.

If Don Bluth is going to continue churning out such inferior material, then Disney really has nothing to fear. If you really want to watch an enjoyable non-Disney animated flick with good music and story, try "The Prince Of Egypt" from Dreamworks!

Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

This bomb would make Doyle roll over in his grave.

[1/10 · 29 August 2000]

"Young Sherlock Holmes" has the potential to be an interesting film but unfortunately seems to be marred in contrived cliches. I did not find any of the characters to be particularly interesting, nor did I appreciate its stereotypical and racist demonizing of middle Eastern culture - as if Egyptian women really behave or look like that! At times, I thought I was watching a series of bad Monty Python sketches.

All in all, the acting was reasonably good (except for the scenery chewing villains) and the costumes were great, but I had a hard time staying awake while watching this film. The ending was particularly inane...obviously designed to lead into a sequel, which thankfully never came about. Strictly a movie for little kids or for people who like watching dated special effects.

Buried on Sunday (1992)

One of the suckiest movies I've ever seen.

[1/10 · 23 August 2000]

I have never been a big fan of Canadian films, and this movie really has not done much to change my opinion. I only watched it because it featured Paul Gross, whom I loved from Due South. The story was neither entertaining nor humourous. It's a shame money (probably government funding no doubt) was used to produce such a piece of c**p. What an utter waste of Canadian talent!

Flat Is Beautiful (1998)

An exercise in utter stupidity.

[1/10 · 16 August 2000]

Yet another example of someone having too much time and money to waste. Incomprehensible plot (if any), laughable costumes and production values, and pointless sexual explicitness. Given the adult nature of this piece, one wonders why a child actor was allowed to participate in such a production. Will only appeal to those who enjoy experimental or fringe art (and even that's being kind).