talbaineric Reviews

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

A movie for the ages!

[10/10 · 10 December 2005]

Sure, we have mega blockbusters like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, both of which were excellent movies in their own right. But the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe shines in it's own right. A true masterpiece among the ages that deserves just as much praise as HP or LoTR, probably even more.

I won't go into a synopsis of the movie, seeing as how most of you have either read the books or have seen the movie already and know it's plot. The accidental discovering of an enchanted land ruled forever by winter by the evil White Witch Jadis (Tilda Swinton in all her icy splendor) prompts the Pevensie family (with little Lucy first discovering the land) to eventually realizing their destiny and joining forces with the powerful Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), ensuing in one of the coolest battles in cinema history.

This film was very magical indeed. Not only does it capture the essence of the book very well, it also adds it's own little touches of Disney magic here and there. Hard to believe you were watching a Disney-made movie, but that's what it is. Truly cinema magic. I also felt that it was more drama-free than Harry Potter franchise and much more joyous and cheerful then the Lord of the Rings franchise.

Looks like Disney has struck gold once again with this one. Go with the family or take a friend (or a few friends) and go see this!

Corpse Bride (2005)

Tim Burton does it again!

[10/10 · 29 September 2005]

Wow...what can I say about this great film that hasn't already been said? The story is of a timid young man who accidentally marries a dead woman from beyond the grave, from there, we're taken straight to the Land of the Dead, a vibrant, colorful world where the Dead party 24/7. Not a gloomy place at all, actually, more lively than the Land of the Living, which is shown in dark, melancholy tones.

The character depth is simply amazing! Each character doesn't take away too much from our main characters, Victor, Victoria and Emily (our Corpse Bride). Everything about this movie, from the plot to the soundtrack was incredible! Yes, the soundtrack adds even more beauty to an already wonderful picture.

I am full of nothing but praise for Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. Truly an awesome movie that NEEDS to be seen. This deserves to win the Oscar for the best 2005 animated film!! A must see!!

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

A tiny bit disappointing, but not much

[7/10 · 11 September 2005]

I just added Kung Fu Hustle to my DVD collection. It's a very worthy title indeed. The film tells the story of a wannabe thug who wants to join the Axe Gang, one of the more notorious of China's violent street gangs. From there, the film opens into a melee of fantastic visuals and quirky charms that can compete with the more lackluster Hollywood scene these days (when it comes to most comedies I mean).

Everything was executed great. However, I found myself disappointed with what I felt was the lack of comedy that looked promising from the trailers. I expected the whole movie to be filled with these funny scenes, but the whole movie wasn't dedicated to comedy, which threw me off. However, that doesn't stop it from being a creative genius in it's own right. A good movie to own indeed.

Freaky Friday (2003)

One of Disney's smarter live action movies!

[10/10 · 11 September 2005]

And by smart I mean, well-executed and well directed, with each actor/actress delivering a truly unique performance on their own. This is probably one of the better movies in Disney's live action cannon. The story of a mother/daughter switching bodies for one freaky Friday results in mayhem in both characters' lives, ranging from Tess' hard time coping with her daughter's high school life, to Anne's somewhat ignorant approach to her mother's job as a psychatrist. The soundtrack's pretty cool and showcasing a then almost unknown Lindsay Lohan who delivered a great performance. Add that with Jamie Lee Curtis' charm that only she can deliver, and you got a winner.

One to add to your collection.

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

A sequel that works

[15 December 2004]

Everyone who has seen it knows the story and plot already, so I won't explain it. This is probably one of the cases that shows that a sequel can work well and remain true to the original story.

I came out of the theater with exceptations rised. I didn't know if this would be better or worse than the original Spider-Man, but I liked it! I really did! The train scene was my favorite out of all the scenes.

The actors all do very convincing jobs to make you feel like you're experiencing the comic first hand. Tobey was a perfect actor to play as everyone's beloved Spidey. He really lends drama and heroism to his character!

A great movie. 10/10

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

More action packed then the first two!

[13 December 2004]

I was kind of skeptical after the director for the first two HP's left, and didn't think this movie would be as good as the others. I was wrong. This movie doesn't feel like a boring re-telling of the book, but it envisions all that JK Rowling has come to write in her books, lots of imagination and pure action.

The Knight Bus scene was one of the most coolest scenes I've seen in cinema

history. And the werewolf scene was vividly brought to life just like in the books.

A great movie. 10/10

Darkwing Duck (1991–1992)

One of Disney's very best gems!

[13 December 2004]

This Disney show defined all Saturday Morning cartoons or pretty much all

cartoons in general these days. Darkwing Duck was one of those types of

cartoons where you knew every single character and cherished the theme song

by heart. It was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid and here's to hoping there will be a DVD release of it in the future.

Along with classic Disney TV toons like Talespin, Gummi Bears, Goof Troop and Bonkers, this show will forever be remembered by a generation that grew up

with him and all the other shows mentioned!

Dave the Barbarian (2004–2005)

Extremely hilarious!

[25 March 2004]

I love this show lots! I've grown to be a fan of it.

Its centered in the Middle Ages around a barbarian family,a rather odd yet funny one. Dave,a reluctant,allergic-to-about-everything,phobic barbarian,Candy,the older sister who is a typical teenager,and Fang,the youngest and the great little terror of the family. Keeping watch over them while their mom and dad are away battling evil is their Uncle Oswidge,a scruffy sorcerer who loves to eat. Aiding Dave is his wise-cracking sarcastic enchanted sword Lula and the family pet dragon,Faffy.

I didn't think too much of it at first,but once I gave the show a chance,I ended up loving it. And I'm glad to see not only me,but other people are praising this show left and right. It truly deserves it.

5 out of 5 stars.

Elf (2003)

This movie was blah

[1/10 · 7 November 2003]

Well,after experiencing the disappointing Matrix. I was hoping Elf would lift my spirits up greatly. But my hopes were diminished.

You all are familar with the plot by now so I won't go into that.

I just didn't like this film,mostly because Will Ferrell's funny bits,as much as I TRIED to laugh,weren't funny. The plot in general just seemed superficial and boring. I wouldn't recommened this to anyone either,maybe before when I was looking forward to the movie.

Brother Bear (2003)

LOVED IT! One of the best of 2003!

[10/10 · 1 November 2003]

I saw Brother Bear on opening day. Man oh man. I loved it. Absoultely loved it! I'd give it a two thumbs up on this one. Rutt and Tuke were the best thing about it,naturally. But it was something I haven't felt from a Disney movie in a long time,and that there was love put into this. The theater was packed with adults and kids who loved it equally as well.

The movie is very touching,and warms the heart. Go out and see it.

Sitting Ducks (2001–2003)

Awesome show!

[27 October 2003]

This by far is one of the coolest toons out there today. It relates to a lot of adult-type situations,in a way kids can understand,driven with a splash of humor and diverse characters.

Bill's a well-liked duck from Ducktown,but a little misunderstood. He has a best pal named Aldo,who's an alligator(weird isn't it?) along with his other best pals Ed Oly and Waddle,and Bev and Fred(the only Penguin in Ducktown).

Glad us American viewers are finally seeing the show. Still running on Cartoon Network as I type and a very cool show.