Lainey08 Reviews

Pumping Iron II: The Women (1985)

Performance in Pumping Iron II

[4 March 2003]

Since I'm currently studying this film I'm a bit insulted at some of the shallow reviews. This semi-documentary film shows female bodybuilders in 1985, and it critiques the performance they must all put on in order to make it in their business (hence the loaded make-up: first of all it was the eighties, second of all they had to struggle to remain feminine looking or, as seen with Bev Francis, they were penalized). Watching this film should enrage you since it's clear who SHOULD win the title. Clearly the judges need a little updating, but again, it was1985.

I strongly recommend this film to anyone who has not seen it. It critiques female bodybuilding and questions the stereotypical view of women as seen through the actions of the judges.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Wonderful Sci-Fi Television

[8 February 2003]

The person who attempts to compare the movie with the TV show is clearly out of his/her league. Being a huge fan of the film, I was definitely not into the show when it first came out. But I have to say, once you sit down and watch it it's hard NOT to become addicted. I've seen every episode, and while there are some stinky episodes, the greater outweigh the lesser.

The writing is phenomenally clever, and despite their massive success, the producers have kept Buffy as a fun sci-fi take off instead of trying to make it something more than it is. THIS is what makes the show tremendous - sticking to its roots instead of trying to make itself hugely profound.

You really have to watch the show from beginning to end (all seven seasons) in order to truly appreciate the characters and the humour (bitingly sarcastic). Even if you're not a fan of the genre, you still have to appreciate the groundbreaking work this show has managed (like putting the WB on the map for example).