thomasspencer Reviews

Burnt Face Man (2004–2010)

The Gay Adventures of Burnt Face Man

[10/10 · 23 November 2015]

Burnt Face Man is a wondrous creation which revels in comedic absurdity, dark humour and an incredibly imaginative concept. It follows the adventures of the titular hero as he asserts to society that he is still capable of saving the world, despite his disfigurement.

What makes this show so appealing is that it came out before vloggers, Google sponsorship and all that make the Internet entertainment circuit a bit more streamlined. It was just Firth, providing all the voices, doing all the animating and writing all the comedy. Leaving the creator to do his own thing without any studio involvement really allows this show to hit new highs (by reaching down to new lows) in comedy. The show is offensive to just about every race, gender, sexuality and species on this planet and possibly a few others, but that's what makes it so great. It's shock humour at its best. Random, thoughtless, uncomfortable shock humour that just attacks you in each episode and forces you to laugh. It cannot be explained through a simple review. It must be seen to be believed.

Just check it out, the show is on Youtube and Firth's own website.

Saw III (2006)

There goes the intelligence...

[2/10 · 30 May 2013]

Upon having myself my very own Saw Marathon to catch up on the horror series I missed out on, I have decided to end it here. The reason? In all honesty, I no longer felt comfortable with the way the series was heading.

But let's start at the beginning. Saw 3 picks up where the second left off, with Detective Eric Matthews still chained in the infamous unused bathroom featuring the corpses of past Saw characters. Here, the film promised a lot, as I enjoyed Donnie Wahlberg's irritable, takes no nonsense portrayal from the second film. But with a bang, boom and snap, the character just disappears from the story. The film is then split in two, following a father going through a series of traps in Jigsaw's test for forgiveness and Jigsaw/John himself, being treated for his cancer.

Firstly, lets tackle the most well known section of any Saw film, the traps. As Jigsaw's latest are presented, it is very clear the makers were now going for shock over substance. This reliance does not bode well for the final film, as I personally found myself cringing and looking away, hoping that these elongated gory scenes would hurry and finish. I no longer had the fixed, morbid curiosity the first two played on so well. The horrified thought process of 'what would I do in that situation?' was gone. That creepy intelligence the first two had replaced with dumb, slasher-like kills. My first disappointment.

The acting, which I didn't expect to be top-notch considering this was a third installment to a horror franchise, wasn't especially atrocious but it wasn't exceptionally good either. Tobin Bell is as 'meh' as ever and from what small amount of time Donnie Wahlberg had was entertaining due to his understanding of his own character. Other returning members of the cast include Dina Meyer (who was unforgivably underused) and Shawnee Smith (who was unforgivably overused). New members of the cast are extremely average, most memorably Angus Macfayden who portrays the tragic father character mentioned previously. I must say the actor deserves an award for playing one of the most unlikable protagonists in cinema history. Everything this character does is idiotic and frustrating. Macfayden seems to do the best he can to work with such a horrible, horrible part but it's just not enough. My second disappointment.

As much as I despised the disgusting trap sub plot, I can't say anything better for the ill Jigsaw plot itself. Although initially interesting, tense and a breath of fresh air from watching pointless suffering, it quickly turned to nonsense and became quite a bore. I don't know why the makers are adamant on the audience caring for the villain. I was far more interested in Bahar Soomekh's brain surgeon present, but perhaps that's a matter of opinion.

But, as a trademark, eventually these subplots came together in a twisting revelation delivered in the final ten minutes of the film. I'll admit, I spent much of the film watching only to hear a reprise of that oh so good 'Hello Zepp' theme traditional in the Saw films. But this pay-off was so lazy, confusing and layered it only came across as humorous and silly. My third disappointment and, as you know, three strikes and you're out.

Overall, it's a poor film and the fact that the Saw films were reduced to this is sad. Although I can't expect anything else from a cheaply made, studio ordered sequel only made for money over purpose of story, I still expected something, anything, that would be enjoyable. But no. The story is flawed, the characters are awful and the traps/tests are almost unwatchable in regards to gore. Horrible. If you're thinking of watching this after you enjoyed the first two, do yourself a favor. Stop there, and remember the series as two successful, clever films and not as the torture porn, ridiculous series it has become today.

Game Grumps (2012– )

One of the best the internet has to offer

[10/10 · 11 April 2013]

The pairing of internet comedians Jon Jafari and Arin Hanson truly was one of the best ideas You Tube has to offer. It's strange to think that the simple premise of the show, two guys sitting around bantering while playing video games, initially put me off. But then I caught the first part to their Sonic '06 series and I was instantly hooked.

The two share such perfect chemistry with each other. It's strange to think a show could surpass over 500 episodes and still manage to stay fresh and appealing, but Hanson and Jafari managed to and then some. Far from becoming stale, each episode genuinely gets better and better as you become accustomed to these two likable, hilarious friends and their strange yet wonderful conversations.

Not only that, but the clear passion and effort that goes into the show surpasses it from just any internet show. It seems professional, yet not-so. It's a strange mix that cannot be described thoroughly through a simple online review. One minute the two are guffawing over a silly scenario they themselves created, the next their having an in depth discussion on game design. It's wonderful.

Of course, on top of this you have the marvelous editing by Barry Kramer, who manages to add something special to the show despite never appearing physically in it (as of 2013 anyway).

Overall, it really is a fantastic show. If you plan on giving it a miss just because of the premise or the fact it's online, you're only doing yourself wrong. I leave with a quote from Game Grumps very own Hanson. 'DEHN OUTTA DEHN!'

Ultimate Spider-Man (2012–2017)

'Just Below Average' Spider-Man

[4/10 · 29 June 2012]

With the cancellation of fan-favourite animated series The Spectacular Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man was seemingly doomed from the beginning. Fresh from the Disney buy-out from Marvel, this interpretation of the Web-Slingers story see's Peter Parker still at high school, dealing with the woes of teenage life and responsibility of being a hero. Meanwhile, his superhero antics catches the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D who offer up an extensive membership under supervised training.

Any fan of Spider-Man will tell already that this storyline seems directly from the storyline 'The Death of Spider-Man', a controversial story-arc run in Marvel's Ultimate series. These same fans will be disappointed, however, that the series fails to bring forward the adult story-telling from said comics. And this is where the series falls flat.

The main problem watching this series is that it trades any sort of character development or deep storytelling, for cheap slap-stick jokes and unnecessary team-ups. During a scene, Parker will turn to the camera, set-up a joke and cut-away to a quick 'Looney Tunes' esque sketch. Whilst humorous, it does feel unneeded and, for lack of a better word, dumb. In regards to the Team-Ups, I find this show concentrates too much on having Spidey meet up with some Marvel B-Lister (Who is White Tiger?!?!?) when they could be giving us great villains from Spider-Man's rogue gallery.

Another problem with the show is the actual use of Spider-Man himself. Half the time, the guy is 'tripping over his own webs', screaming or simply annoying those around him, whilst other superheroes take care of whatever the threat happens to be. Spider-Man, the titular character, is literally pushed aside and out done by the previously mentioned B-Listers. It's pretty lame to watch.

I guess people wouldn't mind so much, if it wasn't such a classic character they were doing this to. Spider-Man is a superhero, witty, powerful and, most of all, responsible whilst Peter Parker is dorky, clumsy and awkward. Here, Spider-Man AND Parker are dorky, clumsy and awkward. It's far less entertaining to watch and the superhero just comes across as hapless and annoying.

It's not necessarily an unwatchable programme, it has its rare moments of chuckles and the animation is the best I've seen in a Spider-Man show so far. It just feels like a wasted opportunity in regards to Story-Arcs (the Ultimate Spider-Man comic was fantastic for these) and villain gallery (Come on! We wanna see SOME familiar faces!).

Whilst okay for kids, it's certainly not a great watch for Marvel fans. Unfaithful, annoying and occasionally ridiculous, Ultimate Spider-Man certainly doesn't live up to its name sake.

That '70s Show (1998–2006)

Perfect in humour, character and likability

[9/10 · 26 June 2012]

I'll start this review by saying, I have become a big fan of That 70s Show. Ever since I met the occupants of Point Place in the pilot, I've become avid in following these characters lives throughout all eight seasons. The writing is pitch-perfect, with almost every joke coming off solidly and every character so three-dimensional you feel like you've been welcomed into a group of friends.

Whilst the show does occasionally have a duff season, four was my personal least favourite and many despise eight, this is one the few American TV Shows which did not grow stale on me. I always came back for more. Which, overall, is the aim of all sitcoms.

The premise is simple. Eric Forman is a somewhat lazy, dry-humoured slacker who lives with his fussing mother, Kitty, hard-ass father, Red and promiscuous sister, Laurie. Next door resides the object of Eric's desires, Donna Pinciotti, as well as her dopey yet quirky parents Bob and Midge. Eric attempts to woo his next door neighbour whilst dealing with the misadventures of his friends the absent-minded Michael Kelso, rebellious Steven Hyde, perverted Fez and spoilt Jackie Burkhart. Oh, and also, it's set in the '70s.

Highlights of the show include Topher Grace's perfect portrayal of Eric Forman, managing to create one of the most likable characters ever to appear on a TV screen. Even if he makes stupid, selfish decisions, you still find yourself rooting for the boy, which proves Grace's ability. Showing quick wit and charm, he is clearly the break-our character for me, though everyone has their favourites. Along with this we have Ashton Kutcher's role as Michael Kelso, a character he seems to take with him with every acting job he's achieved since That 70s Show. Kutcher's comic timing and improvisation is barred by none and he offers a slap-stick side to the show, a void they fail to fill after Kutcher left during Season 8. Wilmer Valderrama and Laura Prepon are also worthy mentions, both being equally funny and natural in their performances.

A lot dislike the finale season, due to the absences of Grace and Kutcher as well as the new character, Randy Pearson, played by Josh Meyers. However, I choose to disagree. Grace and Kutcher's characters were written out in such ways that I felt their characters stories had come to an end. I no longer felt a necessity to see these characters. Sure, I certainly wanted to, but I felt their endings to be heart-warming and, above all, within character. But, I still wanted to see what became of the other characters which, of course, are why I picked up Season 8. In regards to Randy, Meyers is funny. I found myself laughing at a majority of his jokes, and he offered something fresh within the shows structure. It was nice seeing the old characters interact with the new. His entrance may have felt a little forced, but overall, what he offered was pretty decent. The finale episode in itself was spectacular, though I wish there could have been a little more loose ends tied up. However, that's something left in hopes of any spin - offs in the near future.

As a show, That 70s Show is one of the most consistent in laughs on telly. Smart, witty and so lovable, everyone will find someone or something to love in a show like this.

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004–2007)

Just a Good Watch

[1 September 2011]

There's nothing outstanding about 'Ned's Declassified'. It's a basic concept with a basic storyline. Ned Bigby is a lazy under achieving pupil attending the wacky James K. Polk middle school with his two best friends Cookie and Moze. Wanting to help future generations, he creates a guide to with tips and facts to survive school. Simple enough.

Devon Werkheiser is excellent as Ned, offering an extremely likable and relate able performance. He has excellent comedy premise and delivers the lines with hilarity as well as sincerity. He remains believable in an exaggerated world. Lindsay Shaw also shines as Moze, Ned's Tom-Boy best friend but the real show-taker here is Daniel Lee Curtis as Ned's computer-geek friend Cookie. Not only are his misadventures comic thunder, but he offers such a likable persona you just can't help but feel sorry for the tech-obsessed geek even if he is in the wrong. Tylor Chase, Daran Norris and Rob Pinkston all offer up good supporting performances and some could even hold a show on their own if a spin-off ever came about.

The sitcom is a breath of fresh air as it is one of the few teen-coms that doesn't focus on looks, popularity and guest stars. It's just three middle school friends trying to find their place in the world which can connect to teenagers everywhere. That and it offers up some very funny slapstick.

However, the sitcom can feel childish (but hey, that's who it's aimed at right?) at times and most of the characters, whilst likable, are fairly forgettable. It offers nothing to to teen-coms but it never tried to. It's just an easy watch in an easy afternoon.

American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009 Video)

A fairly watchable reboot...

[6/10 · 11 August 2011]

Although this is often regarded as a spin off, I feel it would be more truthful to call it a reboot. Well, that's what it feels like anyway.

The first three spin offs focused completely on the Stifler family. Whilst Band Camp was a good effort with some promise, Naked Mile and Beta House just felt cheap, lacklustre and extremely stupid. It was because of these two, I felt, that made it necessary to bring the franchise back to basics. And due to 'Reunion' not beginning production until a year later, 'The Book of Love' does just that.

First of all, I must say that the casting for this film worked relatively well. Of course, the characters were no where near as great as the original cast but they are in fact memorable in there own little ways. Bug Hall, who plays a Jim like character, feels extremely natural and actually pulls off a very likable performance. Brandon Hardesty, fresh from YouTube fame, is good but I feel he could have been used far more comically. He has shown a vast amount of talent for anyone who has viewed his You Tube re-enactment videos and he just falls in this picture a tad in the 'he's just there' category. Kevin M. Horton is comedy gold, a key scene in my mind is shortly after a mishap in a burlesque house, but I do feel he over acts just slightly. It doesn't necessarily distract you from the film but his performance just isn't as natural as Hall's. The female cast all have fairly standard performance's with none jumping out as memorable. However, Louisa Lytton, fresh from Eastender's, just feels unnecessary and out of place. Eugene Levy still stands strong with some real funny lines and scenes in this particular instalment but that's what we come to expect from the 'Pie' veteran. A lot of people have a problem with John Patrick Jordan as Scott Stifler. Although it definitely wasn't a good performance, it wasn't unbearably bad. He is only a re-occurring character which means that you don't necessarily have to withstand him for too long of a scene. Also, I felt that people may have been slightly unfair towards his portrayal. In my opinion, it's a fresh family member of the Stifler family and is actually deliciously dark as well. He seems ever-so-slightly more smug and plotting than other Stifler's possibly because he's quite literally high strung due to his name's legacy. However, I digress.

The plot is standard teen film. Three high school friends look to get laid and get into all kinds of blunders doing so. There's a nice nod to the main franchise with 'The Bible' element as well as a few references to past characters. Whilst not overly different from your standard teen comedy, it does do it's job well and offers up quite a few laughs along the way.

Despite this, there are a few shortcomings that can hinder your enjoyment. There are a few scenes in which CG is used and when it is, it's horrible. It literally looks like it was pulled out of a badly designed Playstation 2 game. Also, some plot lines seemingly come out of no where such as Jennifer Holland's character's frustration at being thought of as a 'trophy'. Another criticism would be that whilst the three leads all offer good chemistry and performances, there friendship seemed undeveloped. We didn't see enough scenes of the three just hanging out or having a laugh.

Overall, if your looking for a cheap rental comedy then perhaps pick this one up. You might find it enjoyable. If your a fan of the American Pie series but felt that Naked Mile and Beta House left you with a bad taste in your mouth, much like me, there is enjoyment and hilarity found in this film somewhere. If you preferred the preceding two then this sort of film probably isn't your cup of tea. However, I found it likable, funny and in some areas moving but was too full of those little flaws to make it a classic teen comedy.