manzp Reviews

The Twilight Zone: The Parallel (1963) Season 4, Episode 11

...trivia...

[6/10 · 3 July 2007]

This is a typical episode, somewhat interesting, with the men acting really stiff and trying to look smart.

The part I found interesting was the reference to JFK. I checked the date and the episode (March 1963) was released about six months before the fateful day in Dallas (Nov 1963).

I suppose the significant part about that is the lack of recognition to JFK in other episodes of the same period.

I have noticed in television shows of the era a hesitancy to talk about current politicians. Often there will be a fictitious congressman or local official, but the president is usually a vague figure, not identified.

This episode is worth watching just for the historical references.

Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)

It took the termination of the series and a mirror universe to finally get a decent musical theme...

[25 April 2005]

I admit it...

I've been a Trekkie since watching the show in the 60's. I was elated when The Next Generation arrived. As an orchestral French horn player, I even got to perform once under Jerry Goldsmith, playing the theme to the first movie, which later became the Next Gen theme.

Obviously music is a big part of the show to me.

One of the hallmarks of the series has always been its great themes, beginning with the always recognizable classic by Alexander Courage. When Enterprise first aired, I could not believe my ears. I hadn't been so disappointed since the end of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves where the dismal Bryan Adams "song" disrupted the beautiful Micheal Kamen score. In fact, the "song" used at the beginning of Enterprise was very similar in style (argh).

As all Trekkies, I was saddened by the cancellation of Enterprise without a new series in the wings. However, here we are near the end, in a mirror universe, and suddenly: THERE IS A DECENT THEME!! I can't help wondering if that blunder hadn't been corrected earlier, if maybe, in some small way, we might see a brighter future. I am sure at some point Star Trek will return, but let us hope that it will also bring an appropriate musical introduction. If not, perhaps the same entity will be in charge of the "music", and it will have a RAP theme song.

Long live Star Trek!

Luxury Liner (1948)

A fun distraction

[7/10 · 30 July 2003]

I just watched this on Turner. I am an avid cruiser so the title enticed me. At first I was dubious because it said it was a musical. I usually don't care for musicals in that era. (I am an orchestra conductor and have led musicals as well) Anyway, it didn't have too many silly numbers.

Jane Powell was entertaining to watch. I had fun watching it while doing things around the house. I'd rate it better than average for the era.

The Champions (1968–1969)

I had vague, but good memories of this show...

[6 March 2003]

I remember really liking this show as a kid. (I was only about 15) I hope sometime it is rerun on some obscure network. I remember the production company was British and had a cool musical tag fanfare. It was three letters and I've seen it in later productions. (IBC, or something... nope, it wasn't root beer)

A cool early 70's show.

The Accidental Tourist (1988)

This movie meant a lot to me.

[10/10 · 9 February 2003]

When I first saw this movie (original theatrical release), I had just come out of a bad marriage. I don't know what it was about it, but this movie gave me hope. This is a wonderful movie.

Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

It was fun.

[8/10 · 13 January 2003]

I enjoyed it immensely, but thought it was filled with holes. I think the best I could say about it was it was way more enjoyable than Die Another Day. I am a ST fan and a Bond fan. I was looking forward to both. I would watch Nemesis again in a second, but could live without seeing Die Another Day ever again.

Fun Movie...

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

The best Star Trek film

[10/10 · 13 January 2003]

I loved it. I thought it was on the same level as The Voyage Home, Undiscovered Country and TNG series. *Spoiler* The attack on the Borg cube was awesome, especially when the Defiant passes by the Enterprise. Cool.

Die Another Day (2002)

What a disappointment!

[4/10 · 15 December 2002]

I was so looking forward to this movie. The last few nights I'd watched various Bond films, both on TNN and on my own recordings. I thought this would be a great Bond film. Well, Here is my summary: Sean had Never Say Never Again Moore had A View to a Kill and now Brosnan has Die Another Day We now have the three "worst" Bond films. I used to include Moonraker, but being dated actually helped it. The Madonna theme was awful. The "sped-up" film looked like a cheap USA network series (that's fine when its on USA, but NOT a Bond film). The acting was bad. Most of the David Arnold score was good, except for the "techno" stuff. (I guess I'm just too old) This was a sad release, especially following the previous three Brosnan films, all of which were excellent.

The Transporter (2002)

Great action, fun movie, stupid music.

[7/10 · 13 November 2002]

I really enjoyed this movie. Even with the incredible amount of unbelievability, it was engrossing. I guess I am becoming an old fogey because when the cool techno music switched to "rap" noise, I became quite irritated and distracted from the actual movie. I thought Qi Shu was outstanding; I am looking forward to seeing her in future films. Statham did a fine job as well.

I would have given it an even higher rating than I did if it weren't for the annoying "noise".

City Beneath the Sea (1971 TV Movie)

I loved it as a kid...

[10/10 · 12 November 2000]

This movie came out when I was twelve years old. Although the effects are now cheesy compared to modern technology, at the time I loved it; it was perfect for a 12 year old. I remember at school the next day everyone saying how cool the movie was. It was perfect after having previously experiencing Lost in Space, Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, etc... Irwin Allen knew how to entertain kids of that era.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project holds my title for the worst movie ever made.

[1/10 · 4 June 2000]

For years, I considered Tentacles (from the seventies) to be the worst movie ever made. However, it was easily beat out by The Blair Witch Project. Although the movie was supposed to cast a feeling of being acted by amateurs, it came across as having been produced by amateurs. But don't let the poor production, direction, editing and such take away from the acting; it was awful as well. I have no problem with some profanity here and there, but in this case it was there for no other reason than to be "cool". To me the amazing part is that so many kids were taken in by it.