radiopal Reviews

Robotropolis (2011)

If you love "B" movies...

[6/10 · 14 June 2012]

You'll love this one. Yes, it's a fun low budget film, and believe me it's not like the low budget films that come out of SyFy channel.

The special effects were really pretty good, the acting was a bit cheesy, but I think that was intentional.

I came into this with very low expectations (and that's the way you really need to see this), and was impressed with the movie overall.

Zoe Naylor gives a great performance (and yes a little cheesy) as Christiane Nouvaue. She's actually believable as a fluff reporter thrown into a world shattering story. The actors playing the other reporters, well I have to say they were stereotypical in modern movies... but then, that's part of the appeal. Though in this one, I really didn't want anyone to die... okay, maybe I did want to see Edward Foy's character Jason Brooks obnoxiousness gone...

AS I've stated, if you love "B" movies, that are good (and intentionally good), give this one a try.

10 Items or Less (2006–2009)

Call me weird, but I like it!

[8/10 · 6 December 2006]

I've watched all 4 episodes of "10 Items or Less" about 4 times each now. This is one of those rare shows that remains funny when watching it again and again. I had mentioned earlier that I was waiting for the show to come into it's own. Guess what? It's finding it's niche. It's sparking feedback and dialog from it's fans and when the show comes out on DVD (as it will undoubtedly will) I'm going to be at the local grocery store to buy it. :)

Okay, from the very first time I saw the previews, I knew it was a rip off of THE OFFICE and that Leslie was a poor substitute for Michael Scott. "10 Items or Less" is a poor shadow of THE OFFICE, but I have to admit that I was laughing from the first scene, but it was the awkwardness of Leslie in his new situation as an owner/manager of Greens & Grain. The thing that impressed me was that outside of Robert Clendim, the cast are virtually unknown, including creator/actor John Lehr. But the quirkiness of the characters works well and in my opinion, fun to watch.

Don't get me wrong, this show has to do A LOT to come close to being THE OFFICE, but it will be a fun show to watch as it comes into it's own.

There have been only two episodes shown on TBS, and my DVR is set to record all of the future episodes.

Ultraviolet (2006)

I'm watching the movie for the VERY FIRST TIME now...

[6/10 · 4 December 2006]

I'm about 42 minutes into the movie and I have to say that I really enjoy the movie... it's pretty cheesy and if it wasn't for the fact that the movie has some "fun" special effects (and yes, very CHEESY SFX), it is fun to watch. Okay, forget the bare belly buttons flashing all over the place, that's not what I mean. The movie is full of strange and wondrous cliché's. The acting is a bit melodramatic, but then this movie was NEVER meant to be taken seriously was it? Anyway, it's now 47 minutes into the move... Daxus is pouring himself a cup of "blood coffee" (where it came from, who knows) and the dialog is getting cheesier and cheesier.

Not a great movie, but one that I will watch again and again for the simple reason that it's mind-candy, pure fluff. But the right kind of fluff, the fun kind.

End of the Spear (2005)

I just watched the movie tonight...

[9/10 · 18 November 2006]

I had the movie sitting on my DVD cabinet for a week now, needing to watch it, but not having the time. Tonight I took the time. The movie is absolutely amazing. There were several times throughout the movie that I was near the point of tears.

I don't want to give any spoilers, but the movie did make me think about my relationship to the world. The person that I currently am and the person that I truly want to be. The movie (and the reality of the actual events) show just how important each individual has in our world. We can't give up and must always strive to be who we are. It will be rough, and difficult, we will look to give up and absolutely fall down. However this movie shows us how we can impact our world by being true to our convictions and living our faith.

Eureka (2006–2012)

X-Files meets Northern Exposure

[10/10 · 31 August 2006]

When I first saw the promos for this show, I was excited about it but never sure what it was going to be about. Then I saw the pilot, I was still trying to figure out this quirky, poignant (okay maybe only a little), fun and funny show but I was hooked. TIVO was developed just for shows like this.

The cast is amazing and I am totally enthralled by Deputy Jo (Erica Cera) is great. Her interaction with Sheriff Jack Collin (Colin Ferguson) is a lot of fun and worth watching the show all by itself. Especially when Deputy Jo won't allow Sheriff Carter access to the advanced weapons cabinet until he passes a test. Joe Morton (Henry Deacon) is exceptional as the town mechanic and quantum physic tinkerer. Though there are questionable characters that I can't figure out (and don't know if I want to), like the nefarious Beverly Barlow (Debrah Farentino), why is she in Eureka if she's a spy and for who, another part of the U.S. Government or a foreign government. How DID she get into Eureka. And Ed Quinn as an equally nefarious Nathan Stark, whose character is more into prestige and money rather than betrayal.

The music by Mark Mothersbaugh (of Devo fame & composer of music for the hit children's TV show... RUGRATS) is absolutely fantastic. It's almost an antithesis of the show and because the show is so quirky to begin with, the music works.

This is one of the shows that I will be on the look out for to add to my DVD collection... but until, I won't be deleting this gem from my TIVO nor downloading it to VCR (don't watch them anymore... Boo Hoo!) Blessings all.

Sideways (2004)

Great movie...

[8/10 · 29 May 2006]

POSSIBLE SPOILER: Sideways was a movie that I wanted to see for a while now and haven't had the ability. Then the movie was nominated for 5 academy awards and my desire to see waned quite a bit. However, I walked into my local video store and found the movie for a price that I couldn't pass up. So, I bought it. I wasn't disappointed. I don't want to give anything away, but this was the perfect buddy movie. Paul Giamanti and Thomas Haden Church worked well off of each other and on top of that Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen (oh what a crush I have on her and have had since ELECTRIC DREAMS). The ensemble cast was amazing, I totally believed the characterizations, I believed who these people were. Paul, Virginia and Sandra played real life situations without the typical Hollywood hype. It's a movie that I am happy to have in my collection.

The Twilight Zone (2002–2003)

Twilight Zone --- maybe...

[19 September 2005]

Okay, I bought the DVD at Wal-Mart and then read the reviews on IMDb, I agree with everyone that this is nothing like Rod Serling's Twilight Zone. However, after watching 3 episodes, I decided to watch the shows not as the Twilight Zone, but as an anthology series (there have been several, Outer Limits, Hitch Hiker, Night Gallery to name a few) and the more that I watched, the more I enjoyed it. Yes, it can never be adequately compared to the original, nor should it be. But if you decide to give the series a try, watch it as a fun anthology series. I was even thrilled to see a couple of "tongue-in-cheek" episodes. It will definitely be worth watching that way.

The Masterpiece... A Toymakers Dream (1995 Video)

I'm not normally into Ballet...

[9/10 · 25 May 2005]

But the first time I saw TOYMAKER'S DREAM, I was hooked. And hooked hard. The music, the movements and the story captured not only my imagination, but also my heart. I was swept away at the simple and majestic way in which the Bible was so elegantly portrayed. And the love of a merciful and gracious God towards us. The music is not only invigorating, but also acts as a musical narrator.

There is so much to say, Matthew Wards' vocals... the choreography, the message. If there is one "ballet" to watch... this would be it. Also remember that this is a single production shot live on stage in Tulsa, OK.

So all that's left to be said is... ENJOY IT!

Independence Day (1996)

Problems... but overall... I liked the movie

[8/10 · 15 February 2004]

Possible Spoilers!!!

ID-4 was, in my estimation, a fantastic movie. Yes, there were problems, the Marines being everywhere, forgetting about the U.S. Navy and Air Forces. Not to mention that the only aircraft that the U.S. Military seemed to have was the F-14 Tomcats. Okay, that was a huge hurtle to get around, but the quality of the story telling allowed me to over look that.

I've heard people talk about the imcompatabilty of computer systems. And that it would be impossible for a computer to interact with others. Huh? What do you think that the internet is? Not to mention networking? Not a real problem as long as there are protocols set up to interact with the two systems. And David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) had plenty of time (and know-how) to set up the necessary protocols using his MAC and the alien fighter computer system, after all Dr. Okun (Brent Spiner) and his staff had several years to diagnose and determine how the ships systems work together.

The plot weaknesses, I can't think of any right now, weren't enough to distract me. As a matter of fact when I first saw the movie, after I got out, I turned around and bought another ticket. (And took several friends to see it - and they're still friends... so I'm glad that they also liked it).

It's a good movie and one that I watch at least once a quarter. I've got the DVD and VHS version of the movie. And I'm going out of town tomorrow...think I'll take ID-4 and FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING with me.

The Last Starfighter (1984)

A fun movie and... hey in it's own way... Legendary

[7/10 · 21 January 2004]

I love THE LAST STARFIGHTER... it's a good, fun movie. A matinee type of film. It's not as great as Star Wars or some of the big budget movies of the time... (hmmm, where there any big budget Sci Fi movies other than Star Wars at the time?) The acting, though not great was charming. Lance Guest (brillantly playing Alex and the very naive Beta), Greg O'Herlihy (sp) playing the loveable Lizard creature Grig and of course.... Robert Preston as rascalous Centauri. And something that I forgot for a long time (until I saw it at a local store and had to buy it on DVD) was that this was one, if not THE, first movie to utilize CGI. Yeah, it's a far cry from what filmakers can do now with Apple Rendering software. But when I saw the movie in the Theater, I was impressed and thought that if Computer Graphics were this good in the this first movie... how much it will grow. It's a movie well worth having in your library. And as I'm watching it right now, I'm glad that I have it in mine.

Battlefield Earth (2000)

I wish I could say something good!

[1/10 · 6 January 2004]

I'm a Science Fiction buff, I love it. I especially like the "B" movies of the 50's. But BATTLEFIELD EARTH? I really do wish I could say something good. I had started hearing about how bad the movie was almost as soon as it was out... but I still wanted to see it. I had just finished reading the novel (although enjoyable... and I can't believe I'm about to say this... could have ended about 300 pages sooner) and wanted to see how a two hour movie could do justice to a 1200 page novel. I waited for the movie to appear at our dollar theater. I went with a bunch of friends and afterwards we all came to the conclusion that it was a waste of money. Why? I'm really still trying to figure that out. The acting was underdone. The direction was at times pointless... the screen play was... well, left a lot to be desired. I realized that I was so not into the movie that I saw it on sale someplace for less than a dollar, and still couldn't bring myself to buy it. The other day it dawned on me that I would have paid a buck for the DVD case alone and gotten a free coaster to go with it. Oh well, live and learn.

I know that somebody must like the movie, I would definitely like to know who. And by the way, had Travolta made a good movie since THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER?

Galaxy Quest (1999)

A feel good movie...

[9/10 · 6 January 2004]

Whenever I've had a tough day at the office, or just need a laugh, there are few movies in my extensive collection that bring a smile to my lips and a chuckle to my heart. Galaxy Quest is one of those movies. It's intelligent writing, wonderful acting and almost perfect comedic timing is pure fun.

It's a wonderful ensemble piece with the likes of Tim Allen, Sigouney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and of course... TONY SHALOUB of MONK fame. Watching the Cast alone is worth the price of the rental.. or better still the purchase of this laugh a minute feast for the soul.

Jurassic Park III (2001)

BETTER THAN LOST WORLD... MUCH BETTER!!!

[7/10 · 21 December 2003]

When I first saw Jurassic Park, I was disappointed because I just finished reading the book the morning that it opened. But after the years, I realized that the movie was good... why? Well, if anyone reads my posts, you'll know that I believe that if a movie is going to be based on a book... it should at least follow the book. And for the most part it did. Though I did miss not seeing the Ptarydactals... but hey, that's me.

Then a couple of years... I saw Jurassic Park: THE LOST WORLD... I specifically waited to read the book until after seeing the movie. Guess what? I thought that the LOST WORLD was okay until... SPOILER!!! SPOILER!!! SPOILER!!! A T-Rex ends up in San Diego. At that point, I lost it. I can't watch it. The departure from the novel started relatively early in the script... and with each passing page, the divergence grew. I have the movie in my collection... and why? Don't know. Anybody interested in a seldom viewed copy of LOST WORLD? Years later, I finally decided to READ Crighton's fantastic novel and asked myself... why didn't they make this (the book) into a movie. It would have been cheaper and more entertaining. Crighton was probably spinning in his chair about how rotten LOST WORLD turned out to be.

Now, I first saw the trailers of JURASSIC PARK 3 and thought, hmmm, should I even give the movie a chance? But it did have "Tea Leoni" and "William Macy", plus the return of "Sam Niell" as Doctor Grant. I was totally entertained and walked out of the theater thinking how much better this JURASSIC PARK was over the second movie. Yeah, it does pale in comparrison with the original movie, but it kept the fun of the original as well, and also I think that Michael Crighton probably enjoyed this movie as well.

Only watch JURASSIC PARK and JURASSIC PARK 3.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The best movie that I've seen this year...

[10/10 · 20 December 2003]

This is probably going to be one of thousands, or maybe 10's of thousands of reviews that are going to be written about THE RETURN OF THE KING. I wasn't sure what I was going to expect, but I was almost certain to be entertained. And I was.

I was also amazed at how deeply the movie touched me. It made me think about what real honor is, what courage looks like, and what true love is. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I won't tell you about the elements of the movie, but understand that it's a movie that I will be seeing again... and again.

If you haven't seen THE RETURN OF THE KING... please be sure to check it out. I saw it at 11 p.m. 12/19/03.... and was totally enthralled.

--Hal K

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

The best Indie Movie ever made!

[9/10 · 8 November 2003]

Okay, I'm not an expert in Independent movies... but I do know that MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING is a great movie. My wife and I watch it regularly, it's one of those feel good and cuddle film. A feel good movie. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anybody. A lot of my friends who I have recommended this movie too evidently agreed. If you watched the national charts, MBFGW would move up and down the charts like nobodies business. I was working in another state and my wife was coming for a visit. She "forbade" me from watching the movie until she was with me. A great date film... movie and a meal. Too bad the TV series didn't get the opportunity to develope.

The Three Musketeers (1973)

The Best version of THE THREE MUSKETEERS... EVER!!!!

[10/10 · 8 November 2003]

Alexandre Dumas would more than likely applaud this particular version of his fantastic novel. I remember when I was a kid and first saw the movie in the theater... I was stunned at the cinematography (yeah, a film buff even at 12). After leaving the theater, I went to a nearby bookstore and bought my first copy of the novel. Wow, how impressed was I when I realized that Richard Lester and George MacDonald Fraser stuck to the concept of the novel. The novel, incase you haven't read it, is funny and fun. The first half of the book... kept me at edge of my seat. When I recently re-read the novel, my wife would tell me that I would wake her up sword fighting in my sleep. Anyway, back to the movie. Michael York as D'Artagnan was fabulous. He embodied the dweeb that we all now and love as the future Commander of the King's Musketeers. Oliver Reed gave the best performance of his life as Athos. Richard Chamberlain as Aramis... the Musketeer who wants to be a priest was entertaining, and a delight. And Frank Finley as Porthos (and later came to realize that he was also O'Reilly... Buckingham's jeweler) was tremendous. Richard Lester should have been nominated for an Academy award for his direction of this masterpiece, numerous members of the cast (including Christopher Lee as Compte Rochefort, Charlton Heston as Cardinal Richelieu, Raquel Welch as Constance Bonaciuex, Spike Milligan as Monsieur Bonacieux, Roy Kinnear as Planchet, Simon Ward as the Duke of Buckingham, Faye Dunaway as Milady de Winter, and of course Jean-Pierre Cassel as Louis XIII) should have been nominated for some kind of award. The casts portrayals were direct from the Dumas novel. The sword play in the movie is the best that I have ever seen in a movie. There is none better, with the possible exception of the Four Musketeers... the rest of the novel.

If you have never seen the movie... go and get it. Watch it. Wait for it on TCM or FCM and tape it. Once you see it, you'll want to add it to your collection... or check out e-bay if your local stores don't carry it. I bought mine on e-bay and watch it at least 3 times a year. :D

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Okay this is one movie that you have to ask....

[4/10 · 7 November 2003]

What were they thinking? I intentionally waited until after I saw the movie before I read Michael Crighton's wonderful novel. I was glad that I did as well. Considering that after I read the book, I had a hard time with movie. Can't watch it at all anymore. There were a few bright spots in the movie, but overall, once the Tyranosaurous Rex landed in San Diego... was wondering wondering about it. If the producers and the Production team had stuck to the brilliantly written follow up novel by Crighton, the movie would have been cheaper to make and more entertaining to watch. Goes to show you, that if you try to adapt a novel into a movie.... stick with the story. That's what the fans WANT.

Taken (2002)

One of the BEST Mini-Series ever...

[10/10 · 3 November 2003]

There are so many great things about the miniseries (with perhaps the price of the DVD... but Christmas is on it's way). The Story is gripping and thoroughly engaging. The characters are real and go through typical life situations.

What utterly amazes me is that if you took away the fact that the "central" theme of the series is alien abductions, I would still care about the characters and the lives of the people and watch the series. What a bonus that there is a science fiction story to go with the miniseries. ;)

The cinematography of the series is awesome, and the integrity of the series remained in tact, despite the fact that 10 seperate directors were involved in the project. It's one of those delights that I will enjoy for many years to come... but only in 2 to 4 hour blocks. :D

Leslie Bohem's creation will be a masterpiece. I'm just wondering where the novelization is. And Spielberg did it again, saw something with a lot of potential and didn't back off... but proceeded to back this awesome story.

If you haven't had the opportunity to see this gem, you definitely need to track down somebody who has it, or try to get your local Video (DVD) Store to carry it for rental.

The 10th Kingdom (2000)

What can I say???

[10/10 · 3 November 2003]

I love this movie... it's hilarious and just plain FUN. With Action, Adventure, Drama, Comedy and okay, there is the Romantic stuff too (okay, truth be told enjoyed the romance part when snuggling with my wife). This is the "feel good" movie of feel good movies. The Troll children where absolutely awesome and brilliantly played by Dawnn Lewis, Hugh O'Gorman and Jeremiah Birkett. They were funny, and the making of featurette is worth seeing... just for the antics that occured off-screen. If you have NEVER seen this mini-series... Rent it. Then after the two or three days that you've watched it, you'll go out and buy it. (Okay, a confession here... wife was out of town when I first rented the miniseries... and I stayed up ALL night watching it... yeah, it's THAT good. But don't do it on a work night ;) )

Scooby-Doo (2002)

Liked the movie and looking forward to sequel!

[29 October 2003]

There have been a lot of comments about the movie, the "interesting" ending... the characterizations, etc. Well, I wanted to add my two bits into the fray. Actually I enjoyed the movie, and as a kid I was a fan of the series, with the exception of the Scrappy-Doo episodes, which is when I stopped watching the series. However, there are a few aspects of the movie that I wanted to comment on. I agree with everyone about Matthew Lillard's "Shaggy" was right on the money. I was absolutely amazed at his embodiement of the character. And Linda Cardellini's portrayal of "Velma" was also spot on. I'm not sure if the production team intentionally goofed on the embodiement of "Fred" (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) and "Daphne" (Sarah Michelle Geller), or whether fault lies in both the direction of Raja Gosnell and the writing of Craig Titley and James Gunn. I would have to guess that the writers (who did an admirable job with the rest of the story). Rowan Atkinson (of Black Adder and Mr. Bean fame) was also flawless as "Emile Mondavarious". The ending was a kind of a "sweet" revenge for taking the joy of Scooby Doo away from my childhood. Over all, I loved the movie, I own in on VHS... and plan on getting the DVD soon. Not to mention I WILL see "Scooby Doo 2, Monsters Unleashed".