socalichic4eva Reviews

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003–2004)

One of the most impressive anime shows....ever.

[29 August 2004]

I know you tend to hear that, a lot. This anime or that anime is the epitome of brilliance and beauty. But "Hagane no Renkinjutsushi"(translated as Fullmetal Alchemist) is one that really deserves the praise.

Slight spoilers may appear in the following paragraphs. The story, which easily becomes engaging and addictive, revolves around the young brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. They both study the powerful and complicated science of alchemy, which allows the user to create one object out of another, such as turning lead to gold, or water to wine. There are some natural laws and taboos of the world of alchemy, though. You must give something of equal mass in order to gain something. Turning lead to gold is not allowed. But, most importantly, transmutation of humans (Human, or Bio Alchemy) is forbidden.

When Al and Ed break the most dangerous rule of all, they pay the ultimate price. In a failed transmutation, Alphonse loses his entire body, and Edward loses an arm and a leg. They now search for the Philosopher's Stone, which which hopefully be able to restore their bodies. On their journey, they must deal with corruption in the military, a vengeful man who preys on alchemists, soulless gollems called "homonculi," alongside personal pain and haunting memories.

Fullmetal Alchemist has some of the most wonderful imagery I've ever seen in an anime. Gorgeous, flowing animation, unique character designs, and some disturbing sequences that will stick with you for days. There is a brilliant underlying darkness in all the scenes, even when sometimes it falls into a little silliness. There are some very surprising twists, heart wrenching deaths, and some great observations on religion, science and government, all thrown in. Major praise also is deserving for the women that play the two brothers- Kugimiya Rie and Paku Romi. They handle the emotions of seriousness, fear, loathing and horror with such skill.

I'm very surprised that no one else has posted a review for this show yet. In the fan community, it's one of the biggest things since Naruto. Hugely popular- and worthy of the popularity. This is definitely one you'll want to watch, and then add to your collection. Check it out when it comes to Cartoon Network on November 13th at 11:30. You may just be surprised.

Crossroads (I) (2002)

calm down everyone

[24 August 2003]

Everyone automatically assumes that "Crossroads," since it stars Britney Spears is a piece of trash film. Albeit, the film is very contrived, stunted and nothing more than vehicle to promote Spear's songs, I've seen much worse.

It is certainly a movie I will never attempt to watch again, but I think most of the reviewers of this movie are focusing too much on the fact that the main character is played by Britney, and not that Britney is trying to portray a character- who cares if Britney Spears is a virgin or not? She's playing a character who is one. If you can make this connection with other actresses, how is Spears any different. I am in no way a supporter of pop music or of anything Britney Spears is involved with, but I'll leave her personality out of my judgement of the movie as a whole.

Cutesy, teen flick that needs plenty of rewriting, re-casting and editing. 5.5/10

Inuyasha (2000–2004)

beautiful and inspired

[3 November 2002]

I was channel surfing late one saturday night, and I happened upon "InuYasha." Once a fan of Sailor Moon, I enjoy the fantastical elements in most anime series. Right away I was drawn in. The animation is beautiful, the plot is solid and refreshing. I have grown to love the kooky characters and the way Japanese culture is weaved into the lives of the villains and heroes alike.

This show has everything that anyone would crave in an anime series- good drawing, music, believable and elegant dialogue, handsome hero(*wink*), romance, humor, etc, etc, etc.

A total breath of fresh air after silly villains and ditzy girls in short skirts. Try it out for yourself: check out Adult Swim on Cartoon Network!

Feardotcom (2002)

utterly disturbing

[7 September 2002]

This movie was not only completely disturbing in it's graphic torture scenes, but it was also completely unbelievable! The plot made so many odd twists and turns, that nothing really was answered in the end. I'm not positive whether the director intended the ending to be mystical and psychological, but it certainly didn't capture my attention.

I practically fell asleep during the climax in the movie, and the two main characters had absolutely no chemistry whatsoever between them! Both the writer and the director would have done better to have sat down before production, simplify a few scenes, tie up some loose ends, and re-cast their heroine.

4/10

The Face on the Milk Carton (1995 TV Movie)

not as good as the book, but not a bad adaptation

[21 July 2002]

I may be a bit biased, since the book has always been one of my favorites, but many little descrepencies between the book and movie bugged me. Although Kellie Martin is a great actress, she was way too old to be Janie! She was 20, whereas Janie is supposed to be barely 16! Reese is supposed to be older, more mature, and he looks 3 years younger! Especially since it had to be packed into two hours, everything was rushed, and neither set of parents' characters were developed, nor did the relationship between Janie and Reese seem believable.

I don't think there was enough background in the family relationships to make it a tear-jerker, but over-all, despite the little mistakes, it was a good TV movie. 7/10

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

This movie is my new favorite!

[30 December 2001]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** Wow! I just saw LOTR last night, and it was incredible. I had rushed to read the books about a week earlier, and everything fell into place.I almost had no problems with the movie, except the fact that it should have ended(*SPOILER IF U HAVEN'T SEEN THIS MOVIE*)when Frodo stood with the ring in his hand next to the boats, trying to make a decision.it was perfect...then has sam just jump in the boat next to him, not fake-drown, that was cheesy. But everything else was jaw-dropping. the actors were perfect- you didn't have to listen to freddie prinze jr. or any other teen heartthrobs. And- no britney spears or nsync in the background. It was timeless- because jackson picked actors to do the job, not to just sell the film. Elijah wood was perfect as Frodo- even though i knew exactly what was going to happen, i cringed each time *spoiler* he was pierced with a sword. My friend an I screamed a couple of times, because of little scary surprises in the battle scenes.aaahH*spoiler* when he put on the ring, on saw the wraiths i nearly died. How scary! Viggo mortenson was an awesome aragorn! *SPOILER* everyone in the audience cheered when he chopped of the orc's head! GO cooldude. ok. everyone and everything in the movie rocked. I m now obsessed. I give it a 9.8