senor_dingdong Reviews

Charlie Jade (2005)

If you get a chance, watch it

[9/10 · 21 October 2008]

It seems as if there were only a handful of viewers watching this show in the U.S., but as one of them I'm sad to see it go, especially knowing that I'll likely never see another season-- or, for that matter, a Region 1 DVD. And even though it's been a bit tough following such a complex, and often brilliant, program with no one to discuss it with (none of my friends or family were interesting in keeping up on a show that airs at 1 AM on Monday morning here), I'm glad I did. It was a rewarding experience; and you don't get many of those from a TV show.

It has a remarkable visual style, excellent dialogue, an unapologetically complex (if sometimes confusing) plot line, a dense mythology, and some of the most fascinating character development I've ever seen (someone could write a thesis on 01 Boxer's behavior and motivations alone).

If you do get a chance to check the show out, stick with it. It can be difficult to follow at times, but it's worth it. I was a few episodes in before I had a good grasp of what was going on, and by then I was hooked, as I think most will be who give this series a proper chance.

It really is quite an amazing show, and I just think it's a shame that there's room enough on television for 3 incarnations of "CSI" but no audience for something as novel and thought-provoking as "Charlie Jade."

Strangers with Candy (2005)

awesome!

[9/10 · 30 January 2005]

This movie was hilarious, probably the funniest movie at Sundance this year. Its a must see for any fan of the show. But you don't have to have seen the show to enjoy it since the plot is basically the same as the show's. In it, Geri heads back to high school in order to save her father who is trapped in a coma. The principal cast from the show is all here and they're all wonderful, especially Principal Blackman, who in my opinion is the best part of the movie. Stephen Colbert is brilliant as always, and Amy Sedaris' portrayal of Geri is always amazing to see (especially if you've ever seen her without the make-up on). All in all, funniest movie I've seen since Shaun of the Dead. See it, seriously.