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mille52
Reviews
The Prince & Me (2004)
Not good at all...
Well, I knew the day would one day come that my immediate attraction to foreign men would get me in trouble. However, I didn't know that my punishment would be this bad.
Honestly, it was one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my life. It was perhaps rivaled by Mr. Nanny, which is the only movie I ever walked out of in my entire life. The film's flaws were many and there were very few (actually I can't remember any at present) little clever things. When someone asked me to recollect the best part of the film, I was at a complete loss for words. In fact, the only pleasant thing I did during those hellish two hours was scarf down an entire bag of Sour Jacks.
I found that the "inspirational" part of the movie fell flat on its face, while I was left bored to tears. I was also surprised that a PG rated movie had several scenes which were probably not appropriate for young audiences. There's lots of near-sex moments which I felt were unnecessary. Also, during an odd, kissing--pool table scene, I began to fear that it was going to take a turn toward porn.
There are cheesy lines, unbelievable personality changes, and moments that left me in emotional pain. There's a moment that I think is supposed to be cute where the "Prince of Denmark" starts talking in ghetto language, along with a scene that makes "Eddie" fall in love with "Paige" while she's going silly dances that make her look like she's just done acid or smoked pot or something. There is also an absurd lawnmower race, two psychological 180's (the queen hates the girl, then she changes her mind, LET'S PICK OUT JEWELRY).
I'm sorry, folks, but there is not a single redeeming quality that I can find. It's just plain bad.
24 (2001)
Kiefer Sutherland Leads a Great Ensemble Cast
None of you know me, but if you did, you would know that I would flinch just thinking about a trailer for next week's thrilling episode of 24. I can't even sit through any sort of violent movie, even the thought of a horse giving birth gives me the willies, for God's sake. However, for some unbelievable reason, I can watch 24. I don't know if it is because it is done with great grace and dignity or that it is well-casted and acted with great depth and precision. Maybe it's because Kiefer Sutherland is the sexiest man in the world, who saves the day in day's time. Truly, I think that Kiefer is one of the best things on the show. His rugged wisdom and ability to rapid fire with a gun in each hand allow the viewer to realize that it's a dog eat dog world out there, and we need a hero. I think every person needs a Jack Bauer, for hope of a better tomorrow.
Popular Mechanics for Kids (1997)
Utterly Canadian Look at Science
I have just discovered this show, and although I feel that I'm too old for it, looking at it from a child's point of view, it is probably very entertaining. Perhaps the show's greatest gimmick now that it is in reruns (2003) is that one of the show's young stars is Elisha Cuthbert, who has become a household name through her fame on the Fox's 24. Over all, even though it can be a little over the top at times, if I were still twelve years old (ahh...how those days have come and gone) I definitely would watch this program. It's a mix of the gross-out experiments that your stuffy science teacher never taught you combined with a (slightly) educational element. I still believe that for older viewers (particularly aficionados of 24) the real fun of watching the show is seeing a young Cuthbert talking about everything from zoo animals and explosives to stage make-up and animatronic creatures.
The Wonder Years (1988)
Very enjoyable...
My brother always said that the Wonder Years depressed him. He said that it (meaning the last episode-I guess this is a spoiler) didn't end happily. Kevin's father dies (two years later) and he doesn't get the girl. But in my opinion, he's reading too much into it. We see that his father is dead, but we also see that (CHEESY ALERT) his legacy lives on, through Kevin, and Karen, Karen's son, and even Wayne. The show spans five years, and through that time span, I believe that such large cultural milestones as Neil Armstrong on the moon and the Vietnam war are represented just as well as the emotional landmarks of a young boy turning into a man are (i.e. first love, first kiss, junior high school, high school) are. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the Wonder Years is not depressing, it's life. People die and come in and out of your life. I didn't live through the late sixties and early seventies, but from watching the Wonder Years I feel like I did. The Wonder Years will make you laugh, cry and think. Oh yeah, and when you aren't watching the Wonder Years, make sure you never watch Jason and the Argonauts, only because: KING PELIAS HAD NO SONS!!
Lingo (2002)
Fast word game that is both challenging and fun!
Lingo is a pretty cool show. It's like that children's game, Mastermind, but instead of patterns of colors, you use five letter words. It's less of a trivia and more vocabulary. Lots of fun to watch and play at home! I would recommend it to anyone.
Russian Roulette (2002)
I want to marry Mark L Walberg, oh yeah, the show's good, too
THIS SHOW IS AWESOME. What genius came up with the idea of people falling through holes in the floor. My father doesn't watch much television, but when he does, he often talks about how the "boob tube" has gone completely, well, down the tubes. When he watches Russian Roulette, he gets so excited! Anytime someone falls he just goes into fits of giggles. The questions are really challenging and seeing people fall down holes (and they're genuinely scared) is just good quality television.
Mark L. Walberg is absolutely adorable, and I am so glad to see that he has moved on from Temptation Island. He is really funny and obviously is pleased to see people drop through the floor. Two thumbs up for Russian Roulette and its charming host!
Zoom (1997)
It's hard to explain its appeal...
ZOOM is a curious thing. One minute you're just a kid watching ZOOM, and the next, you a horribly ashamed almost-teen who is quickly turning it to Lizzie McGuire or Boy Meets World, praying that no one finds out that you actually still watch ZOOM. I eventually got over myself and just faced the fact that I watched ZOOM, but it was still a very difficult realization to make. I hate ZOOM, I really do. And yet, one minute, I'm watching the stocks on CNN or the 6 o'clock News and then magically the next minute, the TV is mystically turning itself to PBS and ZOOM just happens to be on. TV's don't normally turn themselves, do they? It MUST be a sign, so I HAVE to watch it. In all seriousness (?) I despise ZOOM, but it was really great first season. It was great...to hate (and secretly watch, of course.) Overall, fun to watch, but it really did stink.
The Nanny (1993)
Esteemed Winner of the Guilty Pleasure Award
Most people have a "Love-Hate" relationship with the Nanny. Some love it, some hate it, some love to hate it and some hate to love it. I am one of the latter. Sure, there are some things that I really don't like about this show. First, does she have to be THAT nasal? Is being THAT nasal even physically possible? Another con for me is that most of the jokes are of the "Get it? 'Cause she's Jewish? Get it?" variety. Being Catholic, I really don't get those. Another problem I have with the aforementioned humor is that it is typically so hit-you-over-the-head-with-a-giant-metal-tipped-stone-mallet that even though I don't get it, there is conveniently someone always there to feed the "Get it? 'Cause she's Jewish? Get it?" line. I just find it more of a nuisance than it is humorous. But don't get me wrong, I really do LOVE the Nanny. The jokes that don't revolve around Fran's religious denomination are often very funny and there is a lot of Lucille Ball physical comedy which I really do care for very much. Overall, the cast work together very well. Unfortunately, characterization of the children (Nicholle Tom, Benjamin Salisbury, and Madeline Zima) leaves much to be desired. You'd think that since she is "The Nanny" to these children that their characters would be more developed. On the other hand, the characters of Niles (Daniel Davis), C.C. (Lauren Lane), Fran (Fran Drescher), and the delightfully British (not to mention adorable) Maxwell (Charles Shaughnessy) are very well put together. I don't even want to touch the characters of Sylvia and Yetta, Fran's family, just because they really make me want to vomit. Another thing that draws me to this program is the fact that everyone knows that Maxwell and Fran will ultimately end up together, but WHEN? And when it does happen, I must see it, thus I must watch this show WHENEVER it is on. (Unfortunately, it comes on Lifetime at midnight...I'm not a machine--I need sleep.) Okay, I am cringing as a write this, but I have to say, I would recommend the Nanny to anyone. Well, actually, I recommend that anyone AT LEAST give it a chance.
Gidget (1965)
Gidget is curiously addictive
I have to say, in the summertime, it is easy to get latched onto a television show, think about it, American Idol would've never caught on otherwise. I religiously watched Gidget everyday on TV Land at 11:00 pm during the summer. I was spellbound. First of all, Sally Field is so freakishly young, she looks like some wacky apparition or something, like the ghost of careers past. Not to mention its so wonderfully cast (with the exception of Gidget's sister Anne, who just makes me REALLY tired.) And so begins my love affair with Pete Duel (R.I.P.). Overall, Gidget is really a delightful television program. ONE SEASON? ONE SEASON? What was that network thinking?!
The Wiggles Movie (1997)
For Australian guys who love kids, what's NOT to love?
As a salute to both Barry Manilow and the Wiggles, I will start my review with "Oh Wiggles, you came and you gave without taking, I'll never send you away, oh Wiggles!" Okay, with that necessary intro, I'll say that the Wiggles really do rock. I'm 14, and I love a children's band from Australia, I am in no way ashamed, and why should I be? They create good wholesome entertainment for children and adults alike. This movie is absolutely delightful. When this movie originally opened in Australia, in 1997, it was opening against Titanic, that's right, TITANIC. The Wiggles Movie had one-tenth of James Cameron's budget, but it was not swallowed up by the hype of some ship sinking (a tad ironic, eh?), it was the second highest grossing film in Oz (Australia, for those of you who aren't in the know) in 1997. The Wiggles have a way of relating to children and are in NO WAY irritating. They have quite a fan base and should not be judged by ANY skeptical parents, ban Ren and Stimpy from your house, people, leave the Wiggles, after all, all they want to do is please.
The Jeff Corwin Experience (2001)
A really good show.
I am really impressed with Jeff Corwin and the rest of the "Experience." He is funny, dedicated, but not as...hmmm...intense as the Crocodile Hunter. He is naturally funny and is able to incorporate that into his ability to show animals off. I believe that the reason for his popularity is how he does everything with a sense of humor and is almost the Alton Brown (See Good Eats) of safari shows. Although the voices are a little strange, they, as a whole, a quite endearing and adorable, I am in love.
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Horrifying, in more ways than one
This movie is so bad! I am a student and we have been studying mythology. We read "Jason and the Argonauts" and it wasn't terrible, but I tend to prefer the dirtier myths, less than action, but that's just me. Now we are watching the movie. It doesn't match! There is nothing that angers me more than a movie that doesn't properly match it's namesake. The whole thing with the titan on the island of Bronze, they made that up! None of it makes any sense in the least bit, and it is a big disappointment. Plus, King Pelias has no sons!!!
Blast from the Past (1999)
So Cute!
I couldn't stand Brenden Fraser...until I saw this movie! It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I always thought Alicia Silverstone was nice especially after I saw Clueless. (I really liked her and Paul Rudd) Anyway, she and Brenden Fraser lead a great cast, Sissy Spaceck and Christopher Walken are brilliant as Helen and Calvin Webber, and the wonderful Dave Foley is inspired as the ever so flamboyant Troy. This is kind of a chick flick, but really shouldn't be missed by anyone.
The Kids in the Hall (1988)
Good...
Overall, a pretty good show, I never really got into it, but my brother really did. I guess most of the jokes are too dirty for my thirteen year old mind. Some of the sketches really crack me up, but some of them leave me scratching my head. All of the elements of the show should add up, first of all, they have really funny people, especially Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald. The only person on the show who doesn't really crack me up is Scott Thompson, it is one of those things where you want to yell, "We get it! You're gay!" That is my only grimace, otherwise it is worth saying the word "noise" several times. I LOVE YOU, DAVE FOLEY!
Street Smarts (2000)
Love it!
Frank Nicatero, (I hope I spelled that right) is my hero! I think it is a really funny show that can be enjoyed by anyone. The thing about it is, sometimes, (only on occasion, very seldom occasion) the show makes you realize that you don't know some pretty easy questions either, even though it is a tad mean spirited, that is what we all love, isn't it? You could say the same thing about Survivor, if you wanted.
7th Heaven (1996)
Terribly Good
It is an awful show, with a good moral background. When you see it on the TV Guide Channel you HAVE to turn it on, even though when it is on, you are cringing with every life lesson the Camden Children are learning. The most painful part of its badness is the fact that SOME of the cast actually has talent. Barry Watson, Stephen Collins, and David Gallagher can actually pass as good actors (With the exception of when "Simon" is attempting to act drunk, that is just pain inducing). Catherine Hicks, on the other hand, makes me almost consider suicide. Jessica Biel and Beverley Mitchell isn't horrible, but she aren't really show stoppers, either. MacKenzie Rosman was cute when she was little, but since the twins aren't old enough to talk yet they are still giving "Ruthie" lines as if she was six years old, so I am close to giving he the axe. Adam LaVornga's bland former troublemaker "Robbie" isn't Emmy worthy, but isn't as bad as the idiotic Catherine Hicks. All in all, it isn't terrible, but it isn't great either.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
A Sinister Look at Roald Dahl's Classic
Roald Dahl's classic story comes to life with the help of the adorable Gene Wilder. Yes, you heard right, Gene Wilder definitely makes the movie for even those who aren't huge fans. This is a story with a good moral and a twinge of ominous delight. For those who have read the book it is a treat to see this new interpretation, for those new to the concept it is spellbinding from start to finish. It is hard to decipher this movie from a kid flick or a horror movie. The kids are probably among the least annoying child actors I have ever seen, which is always a plus. A great book deserves a great movie and that is what you get from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)
Most Wonderful Children's Show
Never underestimate the power of Public Television. Fred Rogers makes children feel comfortable and loved, even if their home life isn't perfect. They don't really show the oldest episodes on PBS, but even back in 1968, Mr. Rogers was having episodes about difficult topics, one episode from the aforementioned year about the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. One might jeer at Mr. Rogers' style of taking his fancy jacket off and changing into a sweater, or changing from his business shoes into tennis shoes, but it gives the feeling comfort in a weary world.