kzlister Reviews

The Parent Trap (1998)

Have they fired Eisner yet?

[5/10 · 29 May 2005]

For fans of the original, this was a waste of time. However, it was a noble attempt at remaking a good story for a new audience. And Lohan has become the Disney company's new Haley Mills. (Too bad she is quickly transforming into another Britney-clone.) But can someone explain to Mr. Eisner that he needs to make NEW movies, not ride on the shoulders of the Disney genius of old? This film was made amongst a slew of mediocre remakes of and unnecessary and uncalled-for sequels to some great Disney classics.

No wonder the company is in trouble; when you have this little imagination, how are you supposed to run the greatest Magic Factory in all of entertainment?

A Tuna Christmas (1996 TV Movie)

So far, the best of the three

[10/10 · 28 April 2005]

Maybe it's because I like Christmas, or maybe it really is the funniest, but I think that this is the best of the three Tuna plays.

It is an acquired taste if you aren't from Texas or at least the South, partly due to the nature of the humor and partly due to some extent of "inside" humor that pretty much only we can appreciate. Not because it's high'y intellectual, but because it hits so close to home.

The reason I think this one is funniest is probably because it's not as dark as the first (you'd have to see Greater Tuna to know what I'm talking about, but it's really just one scene.) This one has nothing but laugh out loud situations and is so quotable it's obnoxious at times.

To be fair, Red White and Tuna is a newer play, and has not even premiered on Broadway yet, so Mr. Williams and Mr. Sears are constantly working out the comedy and even some minor plot points. It could very well outshine it's big brothers, but we'll see.

For now, this is the best.

Evita (1996)

Madonna's not my favorite, but she'll do.

[12 September 2004]

If you are not a fan of musical theater, particularly the "rock opera" genre, you were probably bored to tears with Evita. Taking into consideration how well loved Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are amongst theater patrons, it is no wonder this movie had the success it did. Add to that Madonna's fanbase and the hype the film received, it is no surprise that this movie was very successful.

As for claims that it was "one big long music video," those people should have done their research before bashing this film. It is a movie version of a play that is nearly entirely sung. Yes, sometimes that can eclipse the drama of the plot, but only because those who despise musicals tend to ignore the songs and only listen to the dialogue, because the songs usually only reiterate what is said. But in an opera, or "rock opera", you have to listen to all of the singing, because otherwise you are lost.

So if you liked the stage play, you should like this one. But Patti Lupone will always be my favorite Evita.

Nip/Tuck (2003–2010)

Love this show

[27 July 2004]

This show is one of those guilty pleasure. No the story line is not all that realistic, but HELLO? TV drama. Would it be entertaining if it was realistic? I think the acting is what really makes this show work. Julian McMahon is really showing his talents on this show. He was the reason I was interested in the first place.

Yes the show is voyeuristic, a little on the soft core porn side. But its characters have depth, storyline is interesting. If you like prime time melodrama that at its heart does have a positive "lesson to be learned here" theme to it (sort of), then Nip/Tuck is a good show to watch. If you are looking for realism, turn off your TV.

See Jane Date (2003 TV Movie)

A feel good movie.

[9/10 · 17 August 2003]

This was entertaining, and just made you feel good. Evan Marriott's role is small, but (I begrudgingly admit) well acted. The acting is not bad, good performances by all the principals. Some loose ends are kind of annoying, but this is a good movie.