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Reviews
Party Line with Dan & Steve (2005)
Fun Home Catering for the Masses!
My husband and I followed Dan & Steve all through the first "Next Food Network Star" competition, and were thrilled when this amazing duo won. Ever since that time, their show has *never* ceased to amaze us with the fabulous (and easy!) recipes they have presented.
Dan & Steve have more than a decade experience as professional caterers, and it shows - their dishes are fun, accessible to a wide audience, and beautifully presented. Unlike the typical cooking show that simply offers a food dish, Party Line with the Hearty Boys (originally Party Line with Dan & Steve) offers delicious food as well as great tips for party presentations, choosing the right drinks to complement the meal, and catering tips for how to make your table and party settings attractive, functional and low-maintenance - allowing you to enjoy company rather than fuss over the table.
To date, my two favorite recipes have been the French Country Tart, and their absolutely to-DIE-for Chocolate Truffle Brownies. I can't count the number of times they have made dishes that had intimidated me as a cook in past, but their simple recipes gave me the confidence to experiment more, and they are delicious to boot! So if you're a novice cook, there is something for *everyone* on this show - I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Guy's Big Bite (2006)
A Welcome Addition to the Food Network!
My husband and I followed Guy Fieri through the "Next Food Network Star" competition, and he was our early favorite throughout - we were thrilled when he eventually won his own show. But even then we had no idea just how terrific his show would end up being! It's simply amazing how composed and relaxed Guy is before the camera - those new to his show might find it hard to believe that he hasn't spent his whole life in the spotlight. I've seen even veteran Food Network chefs that don't look as cool and comfortable as Guy does in only a few months of taping, and this adds a wonderfully relaxed, disarming charm to his screen presence and the entire atmosphere of the show.
What makes Guy's Big Bite even more of a breath of fresh air is that his recipes aren't pretentious or over-complicated. He is able to successfully cross the viewer demographic to appeal to both men and women with his fun, easy-going style, and the food that results is nothing short of delicious (his "Breath Mint Pie" he presented during the competition is a huge hit in our house).
I highly recommend this wonderful show for both experienced and amateur cooks alike, or even just for foodies looking for an alternative to the standard "happy homemaker" fare usually seen on daytime cooking shows.
Hoodwinked! (2005)
A fun film for the entire family!
We just took our son to see Hoodwinked today, and I have to say we were very pleasantly surprised! Honestly we didn't have the highest of expectations for it after seeing the previews, but it proved to be extremely entertaining (and having the trailer for X-Men 3 on our copy of the film was a welcome bonus). The animation itself is a bit weak compared to many of today's technological wonders (notably out of Pixar) but it has a nice style nonetheless. The biggest saving grace are the actors giving voice to these fun and quirky characters - all are top notch. The film has a solid, if a bit predictable, script with lots of jokes for young and old alike. Hoodwinked is definitely worth a matinée, and we look forward to adding to the DVD collection!
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
The DVD Makes ALL the Difference!
Whether you're a die-hard fan, or have never had the pleasure of enjoying this wonderful film, the newly released special edition DVD is the absolute best way to watch it and learn about the amazing world of Buckaroo Banzai.
Not only is the film quality fantastic, but the special features alone are worth every penny. Secret bios, cast and character commentaries - and one of the best features, "Pinky Carruther's Unknown Facts". This is a running subtitle of hilarious trivia throughout the film, about the making of the film, comments from B.Banzai and the Cavaliers themselves, and other tidbits.
If you're a fan of the film, you'll love the DVD even more for the background details it provides about the characters themselves - it puts an entirely new perspective and depth on the experience that makes it even more enjoyable.
Given the choice between the video and the DVD, there is only one way to go to truly know the best of Banzai - and the DVD is it! Get your copy today!!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Consider the Source!
What the previous reviewer apparently missed is that this hilarious film came out 5 years before the series (based ON this movie) appeared. The whole film is campy, silly and fun - written, produced and directed by the same crew that made the later series. Yes, die-hard Buffy series fans (admittedly I'm one too) may be bothered by the portrayal of the Slayer as a vapid blonde bubble-head, but bear in mind this was the very beginning of the character concept, and shows her transformation from silly socialite into the Slayer. That was the whole POINT of the film.
Personally, I love this film, but I also remember seeing it long before the TV series ever premiered, so I didn't have the same apparent culture shock that the last reviewer did. If you've never seen this film, and you watch it with the desire to see a serious vampire movie (especially comparing it to the current series) then you're likely going to be disappointed. It's not meant to be that kind of film. This is the kind of pseudo-horror movie that you just sit back with friends in a silly mood, a big bowl of popcorn, and have a laugh. And if you're a more open-minded fan of the series, it's fun to see where it all began. :)
Jonathan Creek (1997)
A terrific series!
One of the most appealing things about this series is the disarming charm of Alan Davies as Jonathan Creek. My husband and I discovered this show on BBC America a few weeks ago, and have been addicted ever since. The character of Jonathan Creek, in spite of his very unique job skills, is so shy and unassuming that he could easily be the quiet neighbor next door. There is no pretention about him, as seen in so many other classic detective-style protagonists. And Alan Davies, with his classical Dickensian-features delivers this remarkable character beautifully and credibly. He is a joy to watch, and endearing to the audience. Jonathan is also a wonderful straight-man for the flamboyant Maddie, played by Caroline Quentin. Maddie is fun, resourceful, and all that much more enjoyable because she's not some twiggy fashion plate. Like Jonathan, Maddie is a very credible character with very human frailties and aspirations. The romantic tension between them is marvellously well paced as they work together, solve mysteries and otherwise drive each other to distraction. The characters are well developed and far more than 2 dimensional detectives, and the plots are nearly impossible to second-guess.
Of special note is the presence of Anthony Stewart Head playing Adam Klaus at the start of the series. American audiences may mostly recognize him as Rupert Giles on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. But he was deliciously smarmy as the self-indulgent stage magician Klaus, and absolutely wonderful to watch in this series.
Overall, if you're a fan of puzzling whodunits mixed with very fun and unique character concepts, Jonathan Creek is well worth a watch!
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins (2000)
A treat for parents as well as kids!
I have to say I was delightfully surprised with the new Buzz Lightyear video. Not only is there enough action and quirky stunts to keep the kids entertained, but the writers took pity on parents as well by throwing in a LOT of inside jokes and great taglines for us to enjoy as well! The new characters are fun (Larry Miller as XR is just a riot) and we get to see a terrific cast of gifted voice talent having a blast with their characters.
The violence factor is minimal cartoon violence - more campy than anything else. One of the biggest surprises is to hear Patrick Warburton doing the voice of the Little Green Men - as well as the hilarious cameo by William Shatner "singing" the Space Ranger anthem!! That in itself is worth a viewing. Overall, I have to say this is well worth at LEAST a rental, if not a purchase, particularly if you have young ones in the house who love Buzz to infinity and beyond!
The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
One of the most magical films ever made!
This wonderful film is a true sleeper treasure - and one I never tire of watching! The story is fantastic, the cast is brilliant, and the filmwork is just beautiful! Whether or not you're a fan of Celtic myth and traditional stories, this film is a must see for anyone looking for a tale of magic in a mundane world!