gtslade-1 Reviews

Life as We Know It (2004–2005)

Sadly canceled

[9/10 · 7 January 2007]

I caught this show when it came on and felt kind of guilty about watching because it was kind of soap-opera-y. However, it got better and better so, of course, it was canceled.

Not only are the cast terrific, it has amazing production values, which are appreciated on the DVD, not to mention the absence of screen distractions like the bug in the corner. Music is excellent. Manages to put humour into depressing situations, and to capture all the "fun" of adolescence and adolescents.

While I personally identify more with the less gorgeous characters on "My So-Called Life," this is still a wonderful show that I'm enjoying more the second time around, and will undoubtedly view again.

Beautiful Joe (2000)

Sweet little flick

[8/10 · 7 November 2005]

Not a great film, but not bad either. Cast are excellent and it's fun. Plus, except for a few swear words, you could watch it with adults. Billy Connolly is always entertaining. Imagine how great he'd be if he ever changed his hair do. Sharon Stone plays an over-the-top floozy (or is it floozie?) with too much makeup and too little clothing. No nudity, though. And if she seems different, Gil Bellows is a far cry from the Allie McBeal attorney. I recognised Ian Holm, but I couldn't recall from where. The British actor gives an incredible performance as a tough mobster who may have just met his match. Or not. And Jurnee Smollett is delightful as the daughter, who is a far better judge of men than her mom. Written and directed by Stephen Metcalfe, who manages to avoid annoying clichés until the very end. Then again, at least it has an ending.