North_Ranger Reviews

Il était une fois... l'espace (1982–1983)

A wonderful series indeed

[9/10 · 28 December 2006]

I've always loved the 'Il Etait Une Fois' series, and I've been squealing with joy for the past two years because some of these classics have been published as a DVD box here in Finland. I just finished watching this series on DVD. At first I was a bit sceptical, considering that this series went more towards sci-fi rather than an educational show wrapped up in a layer of lovely humor and truly golden comedy.

Strangely enough, it grew on me quickly, even though there are still some pretty laughable ideas (like presuming that every planet in the universe with life on it goes roughly through the same evolutionary stages, eg. the age of dinosaurs). However, those I can forgive because of the series is otherwise of stellar quality.

Kudos, Monsieur Barillé. Kudos.

Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real (2004 TV Movie)

Dragon lover's favorite "document"

[10/10 · 13 September 2005]

I rented this movie tonight out of curiosity. First I thought this would be some lousy action movie with even lousier effects (think Ice Planet, for example). But I was positively surprised to find out that this science fiction quasi-documentary was actually thoroughly enjoyable.

I am a fan of "Walking With Dinosaurs", and as a fantasy enthusiast, this documentary was right up my alley. Sure I know that dragons weren't real, but the theories provided seemed sound enough to me. And I have to admit, I was touched by the tragedy of the mountain dragons as well as awe-struck by the beauty of the dragons mating, taking the plunge and scorching the ground as they pull up.

As a "what if" documentary this was a 10/10. If somebody wants to complain that this isn't a "real" documentary, they should pay in mind that it was not planned as such. Dragon's World is a different and enjoyable document to see, as long as you don't take everything too seriously.

Besides, you never know...

Saved! (2004)

Most likely the best high school movie ever.

[10/10 · 3 January 2005]

I went to see this film thinking that a movie that seems to criticize the Bible Belt Christianity must be something new and refreshing in today's pictures. I had no REAL expectations of this movie when I sat down; I just thought it to be one of those typical American high school movies with a satirical twist.

When I came out I just couldn't stop smiling. I expected the film to be a bit crappy, but it proved to be BRILLIANT, to say the least. Okay, it had some typical clichés (the popular ice queen and her posse, main characters framed, climax during the prom), but I simply couldn't find anything that I didn't like in this movie. It's witty, has unexpected twists and, most importantly, it's genuinely funny.

And it mocked fundamental Christians ;D If a movie meant for an American audience has the guts to satirize the audience of televangelists, it's got my vote.

10/10. Give me an Amen and a Hallelujah, ya'll!