piratecat-2 Reviews

The Dresden Files (2007–2008)

I bought the DVD set

[8/10 · 10 January 2008]

Needed to grow at least 3 season. But that is how TV is get rid of the good shows and slam us with crap. Got a good feel to it just cut to short. I liked the actors. Story lines where good. So why so short who knows. Chicago was good for Kolshak. I loved the hockey stick. Does every show have to be a mega hit. Maybe they can make some TV movies. I really give it a 7.8 overall in the rating. I also like the special unit they cut that one too. For the scifi buffs its getten real slim. If they know they are to cancel a show at least make a half season unreleased to put in the DVD box ya know what I mean. Dresden files was OK with me because I didn't read any of the books. Well what can you do.

Casino Royale (2006)

Bond the new and gritty secret agent

[8/10 · 17 April 2007]

We love are bond. Its hard for the purest to accept him. He doesn't have the class of Rodger Moore or Pierce Bronsan. Nor the build and manliness of Sean Connery but he is out there fighting a different enemy. His world is grittier more of a senseless violence in it. Now he is protecting the free world which is much bigger today. So our Bond can't be swayed by old values that will make the mission fail. He let his guard down with Vespar Lynn and it nearly destroyed him. Mr White is in for a big awakening. We have our man for right now to get the job done. Gerad Butler and Clive Owen would have made very good Bonds but they are old school this is the 21 century with very surly bad guys. It took me 5 times at the movie to accept Daniel Craig as Jame Bond agent 007 but what is done is done he has the job. I am ready now for the next Bond thriller.

300 (2006)

NFL strikes back

[10/10 · 29 March 2007]

Yeh baby its a man movie. We love women. Kick butt on Persians. Yeh its conservative all the way. This movie is not for the sundance boy lovers but for NFL fans. Spartans put their D line against the O line of all of the Persian Empire. The Greek special teams come in sideways and make a mess of King Xerxes best. Yeh I love the close ups football action. Smash mouth football man style. No your artsy films do fail because movies like this one and the Passion are the majority of people in the world who will not go quietly in the night. Hitler the artist and his liberal crowd twisted things to make them look like the good guys. But in the trenches the Spartans are the heroes against the evil Persians. Yes you libs don't get to get the last word taking over the blogs if its a conservative film and bash everyone. The true lib is a traitor to his countrymen, country, and freedom. A great movie with todays politics or just plain action. The Persian King struck me as a Nephilim from the old testament thought that was really good to put in. Two thumbs up on this one.

Children of Men (2006)

Pro Life

[10/10 · 29 March 2007]

Great movie about pro life and why its so important to have babies. Its our future its our hope and survival. Pro life in why its important for us to live everyday with the appreciation of how lucky we our to be alive. Just a really good movie. Yes a lot of liberal politics in it but hey its why life is important it is what makes the movie. Boy I hope we don't go over the edge and the world ends up looking like Pittsburg. Did I say that I meant Toledo. One spoiler I don't think the gypsy's dog would have made in that camp. Look like poke chops to me. A lot of action, good scifi writing, not a Bladerunner, just a good more real future if we go to far in extremism, and suspense to keep you interested. Slight humor but effective. I liked it.

Blood of the Templars (2004 TV Movie)

Painful to Watch

[4/10 · 12 January 2007]

I am glad I rented this at a discount. It was tuff to watch. Just boring as all get out. A "B" movie to be sure. You need to have 2 litre bottles of mountain dew to stay awake. It should not have been that long. Just make it quick and end it. The Germans need a lot of work when making an action flick. Could you have gotten any worse of an actor to play the star Luke Skywalker. The father mopes around. The mother gropes around. It trys to be a empire strikes back, indiana jones, blade, highlander, apocalypse now, and da vinci code all in one. Man it sucks. But theirs a few spots that could of had promise. Bad story with no direction. Visual effects poor and slow. Dvds should end up on I40 truck stops.

Last Stand at Saber River (1997 TV Movie)

A Shane feeling to it Family and Cowboys

[7/10 · 5 January 2007]

I thought this was a darn good western. Enjoyable and entertaining as a true American Western should be. Great chemistry with all the actors. Keith Carradine was really good you see why their back in Monty Walsh. Tom and Keith have it on screen. The wife of Cable is very authentic. A western frontier gal. She reminds me of the wife in Shane. A good plot and running story line. David Carradine always as weird as ever playing Duane. He carry's it. True to the civil war era with rifles and revolvers for authenticity. I like the scene where Paul Cable sits on the porch with riders coming up slightly pulls his gun out from the holster for a quick draw and cocks his Henry rifle. I also notice Comet rides again from Brisco County Jr. It looks like that horse that Tom rode was what Brisco rode too. Also Denis Forest who played Cornet the cowboy who got a shot into Cable played on Briscoe as well. He was one of the Swill Brothers. A good movie won't be disappointed.

Cimarron Strip (1967–1968)

Cimarron Strip - The Law of the American West

[10/10 · 5 January 2007]

I was very young when I watched the reruns in the early 70s. This was more for my parents but cool enough for me. I knew this Marshall was no fool. Every episode was riveting. I really enjoyed the beginning riding the horse on the trail with that great theme. When your about 6 TV cowboys are real. I am sure I rode a few arm chairs with hat and holster on. The marshal portrayed the American Western Lawman has a prolific hero. The bad villains were really bad men that rode a horse and were not anti heroes or somethings cool. Marshal Jim Crown man's man. Today a show of this caliber would be on an HBO mini series. I don't think the networks could get away with a smart but violent show in which bad guys are left in the dirt. I yearn for good ole quality cowboy shows. A must see if you have never experience the likes of this one. I can't wait till it comes on DVD. Alias Smith and Jones comes out in Feb 2007 another classic. So hopefully soon Marshal Crown rides again.

Murphy's War (1971)

One of the Best Ever Made

[10/10 · 4 January 2007]

With out a doubt. A classic and original style war movie with intense acting from Peter O'Toole. The almighty aircraft mechanic seeks revenge for the death of his shipmates by the evil nazi navy. Jona hunts his whale to get his pound of flesh. I saw it when I was a little boy thought wow this guy can fix anything. Over the years when I have caught it on TV man the old classic still holds up. A gritty telling story of one man's blind revenge to seek justice. I am all for Murphy to kill those ba$^@&d%. Proud to be in Murphy's box. A sailor who at the end of the war witnesses his ship and crew torpedoed by a German u-boat. He survives with a pilot and plane. He with the help of a local island man Louie gets the down aircraft out of the jungle. But the Germans have come back to finish the job. With a missionary doctor as subplot the story is compelling. A great line "don't worry it's just alittle ole alligator" classic. A must see for all time. I still think on of the best ever put in film art.

Alias Smith and Jones (1971–1973)

My favorite Western - All American Cowboys

[10/10 · 4 January 2007]

What can I say about this show its just great. I was a little grasshopper in the early 70's but could watch it with my Big Sister in high school. She had a crush on both of them but Pete was her sweety. She also had the hots for Jim West of Wild Wild West oh so funny now. Mom and Dad had Gunsmoke we had Kid Curry and Hannibal Heyes our heroes. The show was just kick butt with action, humor, plots, and quality stars. You wanted these two to come in your house every week. They were great role models for young boys. How to treat girls, help old folks, and save a ranch or town from villains. I like how they could fall into a trap now and then great humor. I just wanted to ride with them away on an adventure. Cowboy days are long gone now but they had a long run with all good shows from beginning to end. The best family show probably Bonanza, another kid's favorite Branded, and adult theme Cimarron second to my Smith and Jones. Heyes and Curry ended the western motif but at on a high note for quality. The western shows never seem to get rusty or dry. Briscoe County Jr was really good more like a Wild Wild West but more humor towards a Smith and Jones. And now another cult classic Firefly is my favorite over the boys. From the beginning of Firefly it isn't a scifi but a western. It has the same feel that Alias Smith and Jones had. Both of course cut short in TV history. I also felt the success of Battlestar Galactic 1978 was due in part to Apollo and Starbuck's chemistry that Curry and Heyes had in the best American Cowboy series. A gem in TV history.

Alias Smith and Jones: Alias Smith and Jones (1971) Season 1, Episode 1

Favorite Outlaws of the Ole West

[10/10 · 3 January 2007]

Lever action style comedy. I must of been 6 or so when this aired. I knew these dudes are the heroes. Noble cowboys liven fancy free. A true American Western with TV cult status. I grew up thinking how cool would that be riding in the west saving the day. It hit a mark with the young people because of the style. My oldest sister was in high school and we both could watch it. While Gunsmoke was mom and dad's show this was ours. A fun hour of action, humor, and villains. The only show since then to capture what Kid Curry and Hannibal Heyes had is another cult favorite Firefly. The feel of it is the same. Briscoe County Jr is good but not like Smith and Jones. I can't wait for DVD set to come out on this TV classic. Worth watching any chance you get.

Serenity (2005)

TV Small Screen to THE BIG DAMN MOVIE

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

Browncoat fans know what I mean. You take a short lived TV series Firefly, kill it way to soon. Ya better put it on the big screen. We need two more films or another series. That is how browncoat fans are fan-at-tic. Yepper. What a great fast action space western. I loved the show and a miracle happen and my love continues to grow for the show with the BDM. We picked up where the series stopped. The mystery unfolds about River Tam. Stands are made. The crew of the little Firefly transport Serenity are in harms way they don't blink and do what it takes to hide the Tams. Eventually we know where this will lead are crew on a heralding adventure. Superb visual and special effects with action of the ole west who could ask for a better film on the big screen. A cult favorite on a bladerunner status the story matches with the empire strikes back. I cannot say enough how riveted I was in my seat at the theater. This is a saga that you either get or hit the bricks. The characters are not programed from some academy to make milestones in the history of the universe. They are the common folk who want to live. They know the value of life is cheap on their end. Family is what its about and keeping that family together. A captain with aiding a little broken girl will find his path again. Redemtion from losing his faith. All this while burning through atmo from one perdicament from another. Guns ablazing when all else fails. Loved it. Where are all are heroes gone. Right here that' where there at. So strap in and welcome to a brand new verse.

Firefly: Serenity (2002) Season 1, Episode 11

The Pilot 2 part episode

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

First thing when you run a network Pilots are the first episodes in a series gorramit. Fox are bozos when running new series 101. This show sets up the time, place, and our Big Damn Heroes. We are then introduced to passengers who will be the main story line in the series. We enter a new verse with harsh environments, hostile lifestyle, controlling federal government, evil corporations and a strange mutant race on the edge of space. Themes will be action paced, basics for survival, family is all you have in the black, and endless adventure. Our BDHs start off fighting in a war 6 years earlier from the present times. Now eicking out a living smuggling, salvaging, and robbing out in the border and rim planets. The crew desperate for cash with hot goods on board take on travelers who will bring more trouble than there worth. A job thats gone south so to unload their goods avoid the feds they need to sell their items to a untrustworthy gang on a small moon at the rim of the system. Patience who is known for double crosses remains the same her and her gang are ready. But Mal has other plans just wants to get paid. When the dust settles he gets his reward and Patience gets hers. But wait we have a twist with a mole on board Serenity plus REAVERS are in hot pursuit. A must see to start off the series. Excellently done.

Firefly: Trash (2003) Season 1, Episode 13

Not again. Guest star Christina Hendrixs reappears as the vixen she is.

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

The no name doxie is back to dupe are BDHs. Once again are crew is no match for her cunningness. Its not for long before are crew once again is in chaos. She is found with a new man's man Monty an old friend of Mal and Zoe. With a new alias this time Bridgette. Mal spoils her scam on Monty. Saffron bamboozles her way on Serenity. Mal being the ever fool with SaffBridge puts her on board in a box. Should have left her on that black rock. After a bad day with Saffbridge Mal is in verbal battle with Inara. The ever tactical ambassador wounds Captain Malcolm Reynolds with an arrow straight to his pride. Mal trying to elevate his prestige with Inara other than being a common petty thief to her he buys into Saffbridge's plan of the heist of the universe. Big mistake. Luckily he knows that his crew will cover him. Hmmmm. While doing the job we find out that old Saffron is married to her mark going by the name Yolanda. Yosaffbridge and Mal now with feds in tow narrowly escape with the priceless prize. YoSaffBridge now as expected double crosses Mal, luckily his crew is not caught with their pants down. No but just as stranded. Luckily Inara the player of players covers their back to save some or one of their naked butts. A fun entertaining episode with what is she up to now. A great guest star of the series.

Firefly: Heart of Gold (2003) Season 1, Episode 12

Lever Action Style

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

Classic wild west shoot out. Maginificent 7 or 9 style episode of the future. Clichés of the ole west but who doesn't like that. Traditional trademark of the show. Humor, fun, and action climax. Our Big Damn Heroes looking for work fined a job through Inara. An old friend needs help. Inara knows just the man her man to get it done. Nandi an owner of brothel on an arid world out in the border has local trouble. She is in need of some gunslingers. Mal and crew is their answer. A rancher who favored one of the girls feels the baby she is carrying is his. He and his wife childless want to steal it from her. The girls are kin to Nandi. Hiring the crew will save the day. Double cross by a harlot the crew's job has turned into gunfight at the OK Corral. A good plot with humor that turns into action firefight. American western episode in the classic sense. The ending does work out with a twist. Not to mention it has an effect on Inara and Mal's relationship. Just another day in the life of our BDHs.

Firefly: War Stories (2002) Season 1, Episode 9

Gritty-Action Packed-Kick Butt Style

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

We start out with the crew ready to enjoy the fruits of their stolen loot from the episode of Ariel. But Niska is back with revenge from the Train Job. A sub plot of the day to day ills of the marriage of Zoe and Wash. Wash's insecurity of Zoe and Mal's relationship comes to the surface. Captain Reynolds takes Wash along with him on a job usually Zoe's place when they are ambushed by Niska's men and taken prisoner. This episode has action with purpose that we won't see till the Big Damn Movie. The trademark action sequences of this show are in full bloom. Zoe, Jayne, and Sherpherd Book track their love ones back to Niska's skyplex. The whole crew chips in all their cash from their stolen loot. More than enough Zoe offers a deal to Niska to get them back. Wash is returned but only a piece of flesh from Mal his given to her. Wash back on the ship distraught over the abandonment of Captain Reynolds musters up the resolve to mount a rescue mission. Zoe backing her man knowing the odds are not good. She knows Mal will be tortured to death. The crew rallies together to assault the skyplex in Magnificent Seven style. A great climax. Non stop action in rescuing Mal from Niska's henchmen. We see the Shepherd Book's knowledge in the use of firearms meets more than the eye. Kaylee a sweet dear is about to be gunned down by 3 mercks when of all else River takes them out. We now see the experiment of the Blue Sun Corp. come to light. An extremely powerful episode, well written and shot. Thumbs up all the way.

Will Penny (1967)

My Favorite Western of All Time

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

Why is this my favorite western of all time because its timeless. It still holds up. A real gritty cowboy movie. Not fancy fair of the west but a cowboy who works to eat getting up in years. He is a fair man who if he can will help another human being out. Look at what movies try to be a Will Penny we have had Lonesome Dove, Open Range, and Broken Trail all very good but not close to Will Penny. Will Penny was a man who let you ride him but would use a frying pan to lay you out not pull a peacemaker. Will Penny's honesty and dignity of the portrayal of the American Cowboy is unsurpassed. This has compassion, humor, drama, action, and suspense. It reflects this best when his friends come looking for him to have a bet paid and save the day. Watching this film you can smell the body order of the cowboys. The hardship of the frontier were portrayed accurately. A must see movie experience.

The Mountain Men (1980)

Man's Man Movie

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

One of my favorite movies. A movie set around 1830 when trapping in the Rockies was slowly dying out. Charlton Heston and Brian Keith are pair of spirited old codgers who are liven past dreams gone by but manage to eick out a liven in the forsaken rugged frontier of Wyoming. Their adventure is far from over when a dispute with an Indian warrior puts them on a head to head collision. The warrior's woman who escapes to be with Bill Tyler the trapper put not only him but all his friends in harms way. A must see movie. An enjoyable entertaining tale of the ole frontier. Keith the undying loyal sidekick of Heston till the end loves to hear his friend spin tales of the valley of the beaver. So abundant are the beaver they stand on logs and call out take me Bill Tyler take me. To the amusement of Brian Keith but the irritation of Charlton Heston. A fun, action, humor, drama, and suspenseful performance.

Firefly: Ariel (2002) Season 1, Episode 8

My personal favorite

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

I love this show! While watching these episodes in order on the great SciFi channel I enjoyed the chemistry as much as the SG1 Team. But when this episode came on I found this is no above average plus show but perfection in film art. I missed the original airing in 2002 but who didn't. The ending with Captain Malcolm Reynolds and the mercenary Jayne having discussion about the definition of loyalty was fantastic. I was utterly and completely hooked. I am a browncoat forever because of it. A page right out the A team manual. This is a fast pace, action orientated, slick written, and A team stunt on a caper of the times. With Shepherd Book on leave at the Abby and Inara gone to her yearly guild provided check up it provides are A team to jump into mission impossible action. A must see, to see how the crew works together for the benefit of themselves. River who is becoming unstable more and more with the crew in need of a job to pay the bills Dr Tam becomes a criminal mastermind. He lays out the plan for the Captain and crew which also shows his worth is more that patching up gunshot wounds. Now a full member of the gang. He helps his sister with needs while attending to the crews needs due to that they have to take low key jobs while River is flying with them. We also see in this episode the lengths that the Blue Sun Corporation will resort to.

Firefly (2002–2003)

Best Part of TV History

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

A scifi western that has become cult status. Will live on in TV history. Only Bladerunner can I remember such icon status. A true cult TV show with the likes of Briscoe County Jr, Alias Smith and Jones, and Cimmarron Strip. Where the American western meets Bladerunner. Don't let the scifi genre fool you. It is along the lines of classic American westerns. Many underlying stories never fully explored even with the movie Serenity affectionately known as The BIG DAMN MOVIE. What can I say it draws you in then hooks you with the chemistry of a great cast. A great DVD box set to be snowed in with or give as a gift for the holidays. Star Trek os, Briscoe, and Stargate SG1 have I seen a cast with such ability in scifi genre to sell the story. The 14 episodes takes you on a ride of adventure, fun, suspense, romance, and reflection. A powerful show highly underrated. The only thing you can say bad about this wonderful gem is it was cut short by narrow vision at the fox network.

Firefly: Jaynestown (2002) Season 1, Episode 4

Unlikely Hero

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

Another unforgettable episode. Our hired muscle turns out to be an unlikely hero. The crew takes a job to a planet who's main export is mud. Seems easy enough get in get out. Grab the goods get off world to the buyer and everyones happy. Whoa just hold on Big Jayne is a kinda of folk hero. The legend not only lives he's back got songs and statues about we must have Jayne Day. But our hero is really just a robber who left his partner in the crime and dumped the loot to save his hide. But never the less its good cover for the motley crew to get the illegal goods and go. The head of mudville wants payback. Funny, good climax, and touching in the head. We see a softer side of are harden tuff guy Jayne.

Firefly: Out of Gas (2002) Season 1, Episode 5

The loyal bonding of the crew

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

In this episode we have a cerebral element added by the present, flashbacks to the present, and to the past. We initially see a crew bonding at the supper table telling jokes and stories. The fun ribbing of each other. A piece of mind with each other that where else would they be or want to be. A story of family and the unspoken love for each other in this episode. While relaxing and celebrating Simon's birthday making the Tam's feel wanted on the ship an explosion takes place in the engine room. Now sealing the ship off, dead in space, air running out, no help coming, and no parts to repair the engine the crew is in dire straits. The captain gives orders to abandon ship. We see Inara's love for Mal. We also see Wash's meltdown for the safety of Zoe who is fighting for her life. A gut wrenching episode that the crew, family, is abandoning the ship and the captain. Only a miracle could save this little boat in the verse. The miracle comes but with a high price. A crew of pirates acting as a salvage operators try to hijack the firefly transport leaving the captain at death's door. Regaining the upper hand Captain Reynolds takes back his ship. With a gut shot he begins repairs only to drop dead before he can call the crew back on there shuttles. First Mate Zoe Alleyne Washburn awakens from her coma giving the order to return to Serenity which saves the day.

Firefly: Shindig (2002) Season 1, Episode 6

Two worlds collide

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

Shindig is where the tension between Captain Malcolm Reynolds and the companion Inara Serra come to ahead. The show I think was geared for women with a romantic swashbuckling feel to it. It starts out with Inara and Mal in Mal's world a pool hall with shadowy characters. Then we go to Inara's world where Mal is trying to do business with a high society man acting as a middle man for the low life Badger. When Inara trys to get Mal's eye while dancing it sparks jealousy from her suitor. When Atherton does not show respect to Inara Mal the hero steps in to defend her honor. Mal is now in over his head with a duel involving swords but he needs to make a deal for badger and not lose Inara's interest in him as more than a petty thief. Humor, tension, and action. We also see River for the first time as a coherent young adolescent.

Firefly: The Message (2003) Season 1, Episode 14

Desperation of an exbrowncoat

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

This episode was the last show made in the Firefly series. I don't think it ever aired but it is the third to the last episode in the DVD Box set. A young man who is an ex browncoat war vetran from the unification war served under Mal and Zoe in the volunteers comes back into their lives. A boy named Tracey who is desperate, immature, and being hunted by crooked federal marshals. He has involved himself with stone cold killers who sell body parts called wet wear. A new bio tech where a human incubates growing internal organs it is also illegal. Tracy who double crosses these men is on the run. He figures he could make triple with other buyers. This would help his family get off of St Albans an ice planet. Not thinking of the consequences he is in deep trouble. Brings this trouble onto the crew of Serenity by duping them into believing he his dead and a voice mail to send him home. Serenity gives chase to get away from marshals who may kill everyone who gets in their way to get their wet wear back. An exciting but a solemn sad episode which is a final ending to the series.

Firefly: Safe (2002) Season 1, Episode 7

Shindig part 2

[10/10 · 31 December 2006]

You must watch Shindig first since the cargo their carring is from that episode. Can still pick up what's going on even if you don't. The crew now with a job carring the cargo to a backwater planet to make some quick cash from settlers. Seems OK at first and somewhat relaxing but then the men they deal with our wanted fugitives. The law pounces on the crew and fugies. In the chaos of a gunfight between the law and criminals our beloved Shepherd Book is shot in the chest. Bleeding to death Mal the captain of Serenity makes a descision to leave atmo to save his life. While everything was fine at first the Doc and his little sister River go to town. Hanging out at a country dance they are kidnapped by hill folk. They are now took to a mountain town. With Serenity and crew out in the black to save the Shepherd it seems the Tams are forgotten but Mal keeps his word and saves the day. The term Big Damn Heroes comes from this episode as well as finding Shepherd Book has influence with the Alliance. Now Book shows he has a mysterious past that puzzles the crew.

Firefly: Bushwhacked (2002) Season 1, Episode 2

The Creeps

[10/10 · 30 December 2006]

This episode is our first introduction to the REAVERS. We never see them in Bushwacked or nor through the whole firefly episodes. Even though the pilot Serenity is the introduction of REAVERS it is aired out of sequence. The Big Damn Movie by the name of SERENITY shows us Reavers and their grotesque fowl look for the first time we just imagine them as the horrid creepy cannibals that they are. Look this episode has the feeling of alien in it. Your waiting for something to jump out at you. AND IT DOES. When Big Bad Jayne the Merck is scared its time to lock and load. Captain Reynolds only priority is to protect the women. War veterans can not deal with the lack of humanity that Reavers reap upon their victims. When you sniff REAVER country its time to hit the black and get back into the verse with Alliance cruiser near by.