chris_fodder Reviews

Jesus: The Complete Story (2001 TV Movie)

Great for Christians and Non-Christians

[8/10 · 24 September 2007]

As a non-Christian, I found this documentary very interesting.

It examines ancient Jewish culture and provides culturally accurate details about events such as the 'last supper' and the 'crusifiction'...etc. For example, DaVinci's painting of the last supper is very culturally inaccurate. In an ancient Jews would have eaten at a 3 sided table with the guest of honor on the left. They also would have eaten in a reclined position, or lying down. Also, Jesus never would have had the 'Hanson-like' appearance we always see. He would have had short hair, a closely trimmed beard and a more ruddy appearance.

I didn't find anything offensive for Christians....probably depends on your denomination though. All in all an interesting insight into ancient Israeli culture and Jesus.

Long Way Round (2004–2010)

Self-Indulgent Garbage

[1/10 · 19 September 2007]

"Posh Spice Moves to L.A.".....or "Long Way Round" Take your pick, they're both self-indulgent crap.

In this show, Ewen Mcgreggor and his rich (yet horrifyingly ugly) sidekick ride motorcycles around the world. Don't expect a travel documentary. This focuses only on Mcgreggor and his sidekick as they showcase their adolescent antics in the various countries. The scenery isn't even that great, since they went in the rainy season.

It's also a product placement extravaganza. They don't ride their own bikes around the world, BMW provides the bikes and various other companies supply everything else. The pilot episode was like watching two spoiled millionaires win the lottery. I actually found myself rooting against them.

Freedom Writers (2007)

Good message....bad everything else

[3/10 · 15 September 2007]

The Good: This movie has a great feel-good message. Hey, lets end violence, get educated and erase the color lines. This is not a new message and somewhat a Hollywood staple, but its a good one.

The Bad: It reinforces every stereotype of race. The 'uneducated black gangster', 'the sassy Hispanic girl who's trying not to get pregnant', and 'the nerdy white guy with no friends.' Gimme a break! Its 2007, aren't we past this?! Hollywood and MTV, please stop your racial profiling.

As a teacher, I found this to very self-indulgent for teenagers. Lines like 'no one understands us', or 'its so hard for us.' Teenagers are self-centered enough, without movies like this reinforcing it.

Like other posters said...its a complete ripoff of Dangerous Minds, Finding Forrester...etc.

CSI: Miami (2002–2012)

Baywatch meets CSI

[2/10 · 28 July 2007]

I was a big fan of the original series (Las Vegas). Sadly this show seems to be nothing more than beautiful actors and cinematography. I won't lie to you, the actors are hot, and the scenery is awesome. Thats why i gave it a whopping 2/10. Nothing else grabbed me though.

Weak plot lines and character interactions. This show takes a bold leap from reality. Characters are strutting around the art-deco police station in their designer cloths. The capers they solve have HUGE plot holes and are very formulaic. There's always a quick fix at the end of the show to wrap things up.

Mostly I was disappointed by the content (lack thereof).

It's eye candy.....nothing more.