r_torenstra Reviews

Masters of Science Fiction (2007)

Not for everyone, but very refreshing

[9/10 · 1 July 2008]

I don't leave comments very often, but felt compelled to do so to give some counterpoint to very negative comments.

It seems that you will either love or hate the series, and few people are indifferent in the sense that they rate it average.

Such is the case with my rating: 9 out of 10, mostly because the "Masters" is different and tries to go deeper. The fact that ABC discontinued the show after 4 episodes is either a good or a bad sign, depending on your viewpoint.

These are not stories that we have become used to where Science-Fiction is concerned. Obviously, for me, that is a good thing. These stories focus more on characters and character development, in the tradition of the great SF-writers of the sixties, and the casting is excellent - on the whole we have good acting from good actors to support the story, an absolute must in stories which rely on it.

I fear we will see nothing more than the 6 episodes I know at the moment I write this. It's a shame, but I'll content myself with stories published in the great SF-magazines.

In summary, probably only for a particular brand of Science-Fiction fans.

Aladdin (1992)

The last true Disney film?

[9/10 · 30 January 2005]

First of all, I have waited years for the DVD to come out. This is one of my all-time favourite Disney movies, so I was thrilled when it finally arrived. It took a while before I understood why it's one of my favourites, but I think I have nailed it down to a few key points:

Drawing and Animation. It's a clean animation. True old-style Disney, in the sense that there are no straight lines. Everything is curved. Also, the thickness of the drawing line varies, which is not often seen these days.

Plot and character development. It's cute, and that is what it should be. The most dramatic event in a Disney film should be something like Dumbo not being able to reach his mother because his trunk is too short; I dislike the later movies where characters even die.

Sound and music. Many people have mentioned the great voice overs, but I'd like to mention the music. The film is centered around the songs, like the great Broadway musicals. This is pleasing, and what great songs they are! It is without a doubt personal preference, but that is the way I like them. Other Disney favourites include Jungle Book, The Aristocats and Snowwhite, all of which have excellent music.

There are some scenes in the movie that might make it less timeless than other Disney films - Genie impersonates some well-known actors and the like. However funny at this point, it might fade a bit when time goes on. However, I still think this is one of the Disney classics. A true one, because the studio would have you believe that all their movies are classics after a few years have passed, which they are not.

Recommended.