gidget234 Reviews

Ichi the Killer (2001)

Welcomed uncomfortableness.

[9 October 2011]

Ichi the Killer is not for the faint at heart. Grotesque images and taboo themes continuously flood the screen. Miike wants to make the audience feel uncomfortable and he is successful at doing so. Through a very stylized film and the addition of comic elements, the feeling of uncomfortableness is part of the experience.

In some way, Miike presents a real-life superhero/anime movie. Certain aspects are exaggerated (such as the art direction) creating a step away from realism, but it is the characters that bring it back into reality. The acting is excellent. Ichi and Kakihara are psychologically interesting characters and steal every scene they are in.

Watch it. The movie is 2 hours of engrossment and will definitely cause a reaction.

Tron: Legacy (2010)

Tron is not for everyone

[3/10 · 26 December 2010]

This is speaking from the viewpoint of someone who has never seen the original: Tron (2010) is all about the glitz and glamour. There's tons of bright lights, cool toys, and pretty girls. It's your typical sci-fi movie. Since the film is mainly focused on the visuals, the story loses out and the outcome is a recycled, lackluster storyline about revolution and us vs. them.

The acting is nothing to rave about. At times it's melodramatic but I guess that's what you get for a heavily CGIed film. However, Michael Sheen did stand out as Castor/Zuse. He was barely on screen but for the short time he was, he gave his character life and vivacity. He created a character that was interesting and had a back-story.

3D. At the beginning of the film, they tell you that only parts of the film will be in 3D, AKA. the gaming part. Tron is not a 3D movie. It's a movie that was made and then the word 3D was attached to it. Yes, it's one of those movies.

Overall, nostalgic fans of the original and sci-fi lovers will adore this film. For the rest of us, look for something else.

The Office (2005–2013)

The best show ever!!!

[10/10 · 28 November 2008]

The Office (US version) is a fantastically hilarious comedy. Season 2 is the prime gem and virgin Office watchers should start with season 2 because season 1 is a word-for-word copycat of the UK version.

The Office is a great, great, great, great, great show. It's filled with hilarious characters and witty writing. Being in an office has never been so funny. The thing that makes The Office so great is its truthfulness. Yes, personalities are sometimes exaggerated but that's what comedy is all about. Everyone who works in an office can relate to at least one character on the show. I know a Kelly and a Pam but sadly no Jim.

Whether you're looking for a love story, slapstick humor, witty bantering or ridiculousness, The Office has got it all. Several of the actors are even on the series' writing staff. I would highly recommend watching the extras on The Office DVDs because you'll understand just how talented and creative a bunch they are.

True Blood (2008–2014)

Alan Ball does it again! Great Show!

[9/10 · 28 November 2008]

Going into True Blood, you can't have the expectations of a Buffy remake. As much as I love Buffy, True Blood and Joss Whedon's creation are polar opposite series. Yes, they have a few things in common – love between mortal and supernatural, a "special" female protagonist, and vampires – but they differ in target market.

True Blood is a HBO series created by Alan Ball and conjured from the mind of Charlaine Harris. Like most HBO series, True Blood targets a mature audience. Scenes are sexually explicit but tastefully done. Alan adds realism to a less than ordinary topic of vampires, witches and shapeshifters. Similar to his previous success, Six Feet Under, True Blood plays on the audience's emotions but inserts touches of action and suspense. Every episode ends with a dramatic overture.

Aside from Alan Ball, at the forefront of True Blood are the actors. Anna Paquin (Sookie) and Stephen Moyer (Bill) play the two leads and portray their characters with such truth. It's hard not to become invested in their characters and the love between them. Anna and Stephen's on-screen chemistry is undeniable. Previous Eric (from the Book) fans are being converted to fans of Bill. In the supporting roles are Sam Trammell (Sam), Ryan Kwanten (Jason) and Rutina Wesley (Tara) who hold their own. Personally, I'm a fan of Jason because the actor does such a wonderful job in portraying a flawed yet naive character.

Don't get me wrong, at first glance, True Blood may seem strange and the writing is sometimes laughable but don't stop watching! It's one of those shows you must continue watching in order to become entranced in the story and everything in it. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Twilight (I) (2008)

soap opera remake - beautiful actors and ugly script

[2/10 · 26 November 2008]

Be Warned: This is coming from a girl in her 20s who has never read the Twilight saga. But I do enjoy a good vampire film/series.

After all the media surrounding Twilight I expected a decent film but I found Twilight to lack the luster and buzz of recent media. I love the concept behind the novel but the execution was horrendous. Emulating an episode of Passions, the film is filled with above-average looking actors and a poorly written script. Apparently the script was written in 6 weeks and it shows. As a vampire film, it was hard to concentrate on the fantasy aspect because the special effects were laughable. And when I say "laughable" I mean I actually laughed out loud a few times.

The film is over 2 hours long and 30 minutes in I was already checking my clock. The only thing keeping the audience (girls) in their seats was Edward, played by Robert Pattinson. I admit he is eye candy but I'd rather watch him as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter because at least that film is watchable. The actor's performances carry the film especially the actors playing the 2 leads. They do their best with the horrible script they're given. Also, I found the actress playing Alice to do a very nice job as well.

The story revolves around Bella and Edward's love story but one second their eyes meet and two seconds later she claims she loves him. The film doesn't develop their story so it's difficult to believe their love for one another. I'm sure the novel explains it in a more believable manner which is why this film may be geared more towards those loyal readers.

If you plan on watching the film, I recommend reading the novel first. That way you can visualize the story and ignore the poor script development and odd film choices. There's going to be a sequel so I hope they hire a new scriptwriter and director.

Grey's Anatomy (2005– )

This show is G-O-O-D!

[7 November 2005]

The 2nd Season of "Greys Anatomy" has commenced and it is just as great as the 1st Season! This season the writers appear to be focusing on the development of the characters. They are finally giving Alex a soul by showing the inner turmoils he possesses which gives reason for his rude demeanor.

Similar to a lot of other shows, in my opinion, the supporting cast steal the show! Christina (Sandra Oh) is my favorite because her character is so complex and hilarious! It may also be because she is the comic relief, along with George (T.R Knight).

This show is great...and it just keeps getting better! Tune in! I highly recommend it! Grey's Anatomy has everything: drama, comedy, mystery, scandal and thrill.

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

Watch iT!

[7 November 2005]

When "How I Met Your Mother" first appeared on the small screen, I refused to watch it. But then I watched an episode (I think it was Episode 5 when they went to a club) and a thought it was pretty funny. I must admit that the new show isn't laugh-out-loud, slap-your-knee HILARIOUS...but it has potential to be great! Every character in the CBS show (5 in total) are likable but I must give extra kudos to the characters played by Alyson Hannigan (Lily), and Neil Patrick Harris (Barney). I may be biased towards my liking of Alyson Hannigan's Lily (due to her previous comedic roles: American Pie Series, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer) but she brings a charm and charismatic flair to the show. Also Neil Patrick Harris' Barney is GREAT!!! He basically plays a creep which I'm sure everyone is familiar with (because I know I sure am!). I find Barney hilarious!!! He IS that creepy guy at the club but that's what makes him lovable.

All in all this show has potential! As long as the stories, acting and writing keep up then I am definitely going to tune in! I think once people start getting to know the characters better, they'll start tuning in as well. Everyone always compares this show to "Friends" which didn't really get popular until after the first season. Hopefully, this show will continue to be funny and exceed our expectations. But WATCH IT!

The Jamie Kennedy Experiment (2002–2007)

Hilarious

[9 November 2003]

Wow...this show has gotta be one of the funniest shows on TV rite now.

It's funny cuz usually I get so embarassed for the people getting pranked on hidden camera shows but the Jamie Kennedy Show is too hilarious. The reason it's so funny is cuz he doesn't really do offensive pranks like peeing on someone. Seriously, the "bliss" cult prank was hilarious!!!! OHMYGOODNESS couldn't stop laughing.

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

AWSOME

[8 November 2003]

This is simply the BEST movie I have ever seen....ok a little exaggeration but it was AWSOME!!!!! After watching this movie...it is my favorite I must admit It's a romantic comedy but it's so much more...I loved it so much that I even bought the Edge of Reason since I already had the first book too...plus got the DVD....

After hearing they were filming the second book...excited

This movie version of the book is a lot different from the book except some of the storylines. But seriously it is wonderful. The director did a good job at making this movie enjoyable and the acting was superb...Renee Zellwegger did an awsome job and Hugh Grant and Colin Firth were charming!