kclambeth's Reviews

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

4/10

21 April 2009

I don't get the hype at all and cannot believe the score this film gets. I really wanted to see it but was thoroughly disappointed. This is a VERY slow paced film and I mean slow, I usually enjoy films that are slower moving like 'Lost in Translation' but this is way too long and the plot doesn't hold up. Reasons I was not impressed:

1. For a very special condition such as Benjamin had, he was not at all special, he was not charming, emotional or even burdened by his condition.

2.Brad Pitt's acting lacked any depth. his character was merely like a 'normal' person and we were treated to a life story of a very average type of man.

3. Too long- could have been half an hour shorter. it was so slow moving that i got very restless and watched the clock to see how long it had left. all i ended up doing was watching the end to see how he would regress into childhood.

4.The narration is very annoying. The old Daisy is practically inaudible and the narration of Benjamin's diary is intrusive and schmaltzy.

5. No conflict. I waited for some and it never came, every time something began to happen in his life, a new scene started. characters were to and fro like yo yo's, he didn't learn anything from any experiences and an audience learns nothing from this man (who is different in a very big way)

6. Despite great special effects, the darkness after a while appears dull and I was hoping for a least one 'light' scene.

7. The acceptance of Benjamin. he was not shown to be bullied, questioned or ridiculed and unlike the superior Forrest Gump, he had no sense of humour and was not brave.

Overall, the film was slow, dull and far too long. the film looked quite good, but the plot was lost. the unusual premise should have spawned an intriguing life story of a very un-common man but instead we just got a pretentious, Hollywood style life story of a man with no depth, which was simply in reverse.

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Borat (2006)

8/10

harmless fun and great mad situations

18 April 2009

I had wanted to see this for ages but never got round to it. i had heard good reviews and bad but wanted to judge for myself.

I really enjoyed it. the character of Borat is not intended to offend the world but mock the world and let us all laugh at ourselves. the documentary style adds to the spontaneity and the improvised moments (I'm not certain what is and what is isn't) make it even funnier. it seems people are so easily offended that they don't even listen to the joke, or get caught up in the madness of a man like Borat actually interacting with American society.

Sacha Baron Cohen is excellent at this portrayal and he manages to contain this character throughout and his manager is also funny. it is a well pieced together story commencing with his initial arrival to make a documentary and discover the American dream but ends up on a very different journey.

Some of the scenes were very cringe-worthy (In a good way)really Borat is getting away with saying and doing things a lot of people wish they could do or say. in the earlier scenes when people are running from him for simply approaching them, it lets an audience get an insight into how society reacts to different people and different cultures; i find this interesting.

Overall I found it a laugh out loud, hysterical film with unusual situations. it is accelerated into drama with the American citizens having to co-exist with this tactless man who deep down is shown to have a heart but lives simply in a different way to what we are used to, it may be exaggerated but it is simply supposed to be a bit of fun.

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The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

9/10

Proving the geeks really do rule the world

17 April 2009

The show not about science but about two geeks who live across the corridor from a beautiful girl and who couldn't be more well....different.

This show proves there are still funny comedies out there that not only have great jokes but also fantastic characters.

And there are no better characters than the guys on Big Bang Theory. From the women shy Raj to the sleazy weirdo Howard Wolowitz, from the cool blonde Penny to the downright lovable Geek Leonard and last but definitely not least the obsessive and down-right unexplainable person that is Sheldon Cooper (who has to be one of the best sitcom characters around) The show works because of the chemistry between the cast with all the actors showing great comedic skills. The geekiness is superb and great to see these type of characters instead of your normal, stupidly beautiful, bimbos and perfect lives. These people are losers in love, misguided, clueless about social issues but endearing. The film/TV/sci-fi/comic references are fun to spot and every episode provides many laughs.

The Big Bang Theory doesn't get enough credit, its not shown enough on UK TV and is in a bad time slot which is a shame because it is up there with the brilliant Frasier, 3rd Rock from the Sun and Two and a half men.

Geek power!

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Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

10/10

Brilliant, touching and beautiful

17 April 2009

I was shocked at some people rating this at six or seven. I understand people have different tastes but this film is so good that I can't imagine someone not liking it.

I don't want to go into the storyline because I think it's one of those films that needs seeing for yourself. When i first went to the cinema I was in awe the whole time, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. When the credits rolled, myself and my two friends (and most of the audience) were just staring in awe at the screen and it was so good i went again the next week and loved it just as much the second time.

The first thing that strikes you is the beautiful cinematography, everything is top notch-the direction from Danny Boyle, The writing, the soundtrack, the team work of the production team who seem to love what they were working on and the acting is so good. Not only Dev Patel and Freida Pinto as the older Jamal and Latika but the talent of every actor playing Jamal, Salim and Latika is amazing especially the young boys playing Jamal and Salim (sorry their names escape me) and the 'who wants to be a millionaire' host gives some light relief humour.

I highly recommend this film, a friend of mine just rolled her eyes when I told her i had watched this film as for some reason she has a real problem with British films which is a shame because she's missing out not only my favourite film of the year but maybe one of my favourite films ever.

When a film makes you not look away for a second, makes you talk about it for days and actually means something then you know it's something special and it certainly is that.

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Seven Pounds (2008)

5/10

felt like it was on ten hours

17 April 2009

The main problem I had viewing this film was the initial slow pace. i was eager to watch it but thoroughly disappointed that nothing was happening. I understood the premise but had little identification with the lead character or felt little toward him.

Will Smith appears to be the same, dull drama acting action hero who acts all on one level and although the lead girl performance was strong, the story lines were flawed, un-convincing and a little tedious. whenever I see films like this and crash i am surprised by the high praise they receive. the plot lines are essentially good but they appear (to me anyway) pretentious and a one sided view of the world and how we should view it.

The seven individual people needing his 'help' were not all focused on in enough detail, dis-allowing any identification with them and Will smith's character Ben (spoiler) (Tim) made me feel no sadness in his plight. in fact it felt overall that he was only doing his deeds for his own guilty mind and all his motives were for selfish and own gain.

I thought overall the film looked good, cinematography, directing etc and the sequence of events occurring in an unusual order were thought provoking however, it took so long to get to a valid point that i nearly fell asleep.

I wanted this to be so much more dramatic and touching but it felt like it was un-realistic and very un-dramatic. every time i see Will smith now I just get the image of him patrolling the streets in I am legend and forget what film he is in (Same to me) Average and wish (For it's strong idea) that it could have made an impact, unfortunately it didn't.

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

10/10

"Is that an African swallow?"

10 April 2008

I love this film and slightly prefer it to the Life of Brian (which is hilarious) I only saw this for the first time last year and was so glad i finally got to see it after many years of wanting to.

The Pythons have such a unique style of comedy that at the time was groundbreaking, it's not as shocking or controversial by today's standards but the point is they weren't afraid to take risks or not do something for fear of looking stupid.

Set in legendary King Arthur's England, King Arthur (played brilliantly by Graham Chapman) and his knights set upon a quest to find the holy grail. The quest takes them to the most ludicrous places (like the castle Anthrax) and they face the most bizarre situations (the bridge of death to name but one) and meet some peculiar characters including the Knights of Ni.

The acting is great with Chapman as King Arthur and the other pythons playing many small roles, each very talented and individually skilled. There are many laughs, my favourite part being the conversation about the migrating swallows. I really enjoyed this film and think more young people should see it, it is one of the few films labelled as a comedy that actually makes me laugh.

Although it is over thirty years old, it doesn't feel dated to me, it has a contemporary feel to it and i think it will still be popular in thirty years time. This is in my opinion the best film they have done; 'Life of Brian' is a close second but wasn't too impressed with 'the meaning of life'.

Anyways a must see and deservedly in the top 250.

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Atonement (2007)

9/10

Visually beautiful

29 March 2008

I wasn't sure if i wanted to see this film as i'm not usually into romantic dramas, but this was something else, it's not just a 'man loves woman with lots of crying involved' plot; it's a beautiful, tragic story set in WWII.

The story starts in 1935 when 13 year old Briony- not understanding the situation between her sister Cecilia and their gardener Robbie- accuses Robbie of something he did not do, changing the three of their lives forever.

The acting is top notch, especially James Mcavoy who was fantastic, Keira Knightly was great too and unfairly criticised i think, she is a fine actress who portrays Cecilia with great care. Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai who play Briony are fantastic too and you really feel for her as she comes to terms with her actions but never overcomes the guilt she feels.

The cinematography, and the direction (by Joe Wright) is stunning, the palette of colours used are beautiful-from the rich greens and vibrant blues of England's countryside to the blacks, greys, browns and sepia's of Dunkirk. The beach scene at Dunkirk was probably the best visual piece in the film (or other film) I could watch it over again as i couldn't take my eyes off it. The beach scene was very moving, having Robbie walk along the beach in silence with just the chilling sounds of a small group of soldiers singing was very moving and showed the other side of the harshness of war, not just from battle sequences.

I highly recommended this film, the acting, direction and score is superb. I haven't read the novel so cannot comment on the adaptation factor, but as a film it is a memorable one. My whole family enjoyed this film, which doesn't happen often in a family with such different tastes. Atonement may not be everyones cup of tea, but i say give it a go just for the experience of it all.

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Big Nothing (2006)

7/10

Black comedy that impresses!

20 March 2008

A good film, not great but worth watching and definitely twice (I preferred it second time round) it's a unique film, the idea has been done in different ways but the plot holds it's own very well.

I am a big Simon Pegg fan and found him to play Gus very well and was glad that he played a much different character than his previous portrayals. He had good on screen chemistry with David Schwimmer who's character Charlie actually was to me the funnier of the two.

The three main cast were strong at acting and the film didn't lose steam, the development of the film as the situation got more and more out of control was well paced and there was twists and turns at every corner.

A good attribute if this film is that it is primarily a comedy, a black comedy and i did find myself laughing at the predicaments they were in but at the same time i enjoyed the dramatic and thriller elements and the effective music, it also came across as farce-ish in places.

I would definitely recommend giving this a go. It is different from all the run of the mill blockbuster 'i have to make millions and million at the box office to be a success.' and worth watching for Simon Pegg and David Schwimmer each very different performers but of equal talent.

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Black Sheep (2006)

5/10

Average gore-fest with fluffy sheep.

20 March 2008

Warning: Spoilers

When the trailer of this film came out i thought it seemed a bit of fun and so i watched it with an open mind, not expecting too much but i was quite confused by the whole experience really.

A film about mutant sheep is funny in itself and many of the funny moments were simply sheep flying through the air and driving cars but in that respect would it also be funny if it were killer geese instead? the script was pretty dire, I wasn't sure whether the actors were really bad or they were purposely trying to pretend they were in a b-movie.

On the DVD cover it compares this film to Shaun of the dead, in what universe can they be compared except for blood and guts everywhere? Shaun of the dead is clever, witty and well acted with visual jokes and one liners, Black sheep had no one liners but three people being faintly sort of agitated that there were killer sheep rampaging around New Zealand. i'm still uncertain if there was a story, a beginning, middle and an end would have been good, instead it just featured sheep mutilating people with no real plot line or depth of character.

The good points however seeing as it is supposed to be a bit of a laugh, me and my friends have never laughed so much at an old woman holding a shotgun at a mutant seven foot sheep and shouting at him 'my haggis' when he had knocked into the table.

lastly and definitely least the way they defeated the sheep in the end was 'funny' (SPOILIER)( Who'd have thought farting sheep and a lighter would save them!) but not much of a satisfying ending.

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Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1998–2007)

5/10

Could have been a lot better...and should have had a good host.

8 February 2008

I don't hate this programme despite my score of 5 but it is one of those shows that has good and bad points.

Of course i am a huge fan of the British original version but i do think it's good that they made it in America for a new audience. This version provides some laughs but i don't find myself having to watch every episode like i do with the British one.

OK firstly the good points- Ryan and Colin are as funny as ever and are a great team, they are very talented improvisers and are clearly pros.

Any appearance of Greg Proops is a definite advantage (although he gets less to do in this version).

Good games like Greatest hits and party quirks are always filled with laughs.

OK, the not so good points- In my opinion far too many songs games, i love music but there was far too much and it was always Wayne Brady (sure, he's a very good singer but sometimes it's funnier to have a not so good singer) There isn't a rotation of the players, it was Ryan, Colin and Wayne every single episode with usually either Greg, Brad or Chip as the other guest which became hugely repetitive. The same people did the same games and the guest player always had to be the host of the party or the guesser.

There were no guests from the original series apart from Josie Lawrence once. The best thing about the original is the players being from Britain, America, Canada and more.

There was no Tony Slattery (the best player ever).

The bad point- Drew Carey, i'm sorry but he is the most unfunny man ever, i don't get his appeal at all. My family and I almost press mute every time he speaks, in fact the show would be a lot funnier if he weren't involved. There is something so smug about him and when he joins in i cringe as he is usually terrible.

I think this programme could have been a lot funnier considering the talent of the performers but it almost feels too polished a lot of the time. Colin in fact is the main reason i watch it and if he wasn't on it, it would probably put me off.

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Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1988–1999)

10/10

"This courtroom is a mochrie!"

8 February 2008

I am so glad DAVE started playing these as i had only seen the US version and clips on youtube until then.

It is one of the most hilarious shows on TV and far superior to the US version; don't get me wrong, i do like the American one but got bored of the same performers each time, it became real repetitive. The skill of the improvisation is amazing in the British version especially in the dreaded hoe-down.

What i like most about this version is the versatility of the performers, you had Brits, Americans, Canadians, Australians and maybe more that i can't even think of. Each of the performers had their own individual talents; Josie Lawrence and Mike McShane naturals at 'song styles' whilst Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie worked great together in 'scene to music' or 'sound effects'.

My favourtite player is Tony Slattery as he always has me in stitches but everyone is brilliant including Josie, Mike, Ryan, Colin, Steve Frost, Paul Merton, Jim Sweeney, Niall Ashdown and many more.

My other favourite player is Greg Proops, he has such wit and the banter between him and Clive Anderson is very funny. I love Clive as the host, he his so sharp witted (unlike Drew Carey who makes me want to switch off the TV every time he speaks) There is a huge selection of games too,some of my favourites being 'film and theatre styles', 'Party quirks', 'bartender' and 'superhereos'. There are some dodgy ones though (i'm not keen on 'moving people' or 'helping hands' much) but the games and players are always different so you never get bored.

I hope it keeps playing on the DAVE channel so others who missed it first time round can see it now.

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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

9/10

Reaping his vengeance!

8 February 2008

This was another brilliant Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration, it was impossible to imagine anyone but Johnny in this dark role and he had a great singing voice too.

Overall there was nothing i disliked. i loved the songs, the atmosphere, the acting and the mystery of the story of Sweeney Todd. Johnny Depp was perfect in this role and i had glimpses of Edward scissorhands and Ichabod Crane in his portrayal, which was great. The atmosphere really set the scene and the stagey feel to the set made it seem more theatrical and creepy. the darkness was eerie and when watching in the cinema, it makes for an even more chilling experience.

Helena Bonham-Carter was equally as good and the supporting roles were good too and their vocals strong, the rhythm of the film was flowing as fast as the blood from the razors.

The blood looked a little un realistic, but i think that seemed almost more theatre like to me and keeping in tune with the stage production. I really enjoyed this film and would love to see the stage show as well as film versions of musicals do tend to trim a few songs here and there which is my only qualm.

Go and see this as soon as you can and if you love Gothic horror, blood and gore, fantasy, mystery and tragedy and good Stephen Sondheim songs, you will love this.

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Spaced (1999–2001)

10/10

"Timmy...fetch me my tools..."

8 February 2008

Spaced is everything you want from a sitcom and i'm just disappointed that i didn't discover it until last year. I'd heard about it but it was never on TV so didn't get the chance to watch it.

Now of course i am hooked on the lives of Tim, Daisy, Marsha, Brian, Mike and Twist. The show is hilariously funny without having gags shoved down your throat and there are great film and pop culture references to spot; however, you don't need to spot the references to enjoy it, there's plenty of great lines and funny scenes to keep anyone amused.

The characters are really well drawn and Daisy has to be the best female sitcom character around. The guest characters are top notch-from Tyres to Dexter and Cromwell, showcasing a broad British talent.

Jessica and Simon's script is sharp, witty and so well delivered by the cast. Edgar is a great director and everyone in the cast and crew seem to really get on and really love the programme that they are making.

It's a must see, 14 episodes of laughs, jaffa cakes, detest for the phantom menace and the friendship between Tim and Daisy.

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Hot Fuzz (2007)

10/10

The greater good...it's great and good.

25 January 2008

Hot fuzz is a must see for all movie fans; there is so much to see and so much happening.

Starring as always the brilliant Simon Pegg and the funny Nick Frost as two policeman (Nicholas Angel and Danny) in the sleepy village of Sandford (or IS it sleepy?) This film manages to combine laugh out loud humour with drama, murder, kick ass action sequences and in some ways a love story. The script by Simon and Edgar is very witty and well thought out.

The supporting cast are great too with great, peculiar personalities that really confuse Angel when he first arrives in Sandford, Jim Broadbent especially comes to mind as he gives a great performance as Danny's father.

Overall the film is worth watching again and again as you miss loads the first time you watch it; the acting and direction is great and everyone works so well together. The only bad point is that it should have been about ten minutes shorter but that's just being picky.

Another triumph from Simon, Edgar, Nick and the crew.

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Shaun of the Dead (2004)

10/10

Simon, Edgar and a slice of fried gold

25 January 2008

What can i say? i adore this film. i love Simon and Edgar collaborations and this is brilliant. funny, witty, inventive and a great showcase of the zombie genre! The writing is great and watching this film a second (or even ten) times is a must. i have noticed so many things i didn't the first time round and so many ironies and gags.

What i love is how quotable the film is and how it depicts the horror genre without true drama and tragedy but with a laugh, yet Shaun remains convincing throughout and the situation is totally realistic (If zombies existed) the characters are all great and bill Nighy is fab as step dad phillip and the pool cue beating set to 'don't stop me now' by Queen is genius. It is filmed and directed fantastically, with great detail and care and it's got plenty of blood and guts if that's your thing.

Simon Pegg is such a great actor and he is so easy to watch, he makes me laugh and feel sad and his partnership with Nick Frost is inspiring.

Overall, a cult film in my opinion, so much better than any other modern comedies which rely too much on 'gross out' humour rather than wit and intelligence, plus this has got the blood too, what more could you want, as the film poster says, it's got romance too, but not heavy on it.

If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for?

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Run Fatboy Run (2007)

9/10

Fat and Fantastic!

11 September 2007

I loved Shaun of the dead and hot fuzz so i knew i would like this but it was even funnier than i thought it was going to be.

A strong cast, the storyline was obvious but then i think that was the point, it was supposed to be a cliché, that's why it seemed funnier. The direction and writing were very good and generally the pace of the film was perfect.

I adore Simon Pegg in these roles, his ability to play the straight, flawed individual but make him the funniest man on screen is great and you're drawn to his story, no matter how ridiculous his predicament is. His best friend was hilarious, the setting of the London marathon was a great idea and Hank Azaria played his part well as the whole way through i wanted him to not get the girl and lose the race.

It's not as funny as Simon's other films but i really enjoyed it and it was well worth paying to see, in fact i'd watch it again tomorrow as there was so many laughs throughout to hold my interest.

Overall i love the Britishness of this film, the good guy and his basic life, it's not showy, or Hollywood it's just a simple film with comedy stars doing silly things and making us laugh, a perfect pick me up if you ask me.

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The Simpsons (1989– )

7/10

"miss hoover i got my head stuck to my shoulder"

21 August 2007

I used to love the Simpsons just like everyone else and would never miss an episode on channel 2 or sky one, but i haven't watched it in ages, probably haven't seen a new episode since about 2001 (except the one Simon Cowell was in and the one Ricky Gervais wrote) and this is because the new ones are nothing in comparison to the earlier ones.

All programmes lose steam after a while and they usually end after eight or so series but here the Simpsons is still going after 18 years and they've run out of good ideas! I wish they had ended it years ago when the show was on a high but now i get to the point where i think "Oh god not another new Simpsons episode" because there's no where else to go with it, they even had to bring in Ricky Gervais for a change of pace which failed miserably because that episode was self indulgent and boring. Please end it now before it gets even worse! OK i'll stop being negative now and get to the good points. The characters are hilarious and there are so many to choose from, my favourites being Lisa, Mr. Burns, Sideshow Bob, Ralph, Chief Wiggum and Homer.

The early episodes were not only funny but also silly and witty at the same time, the writing was unmatchable and it was hard to believe you were watching an animation. So many episodes stand out like the hilarious 'Cape Feare' or the funny yet sad 'One fish two fish...' and other such as 'Brother from another series,' 'Lisa's substitute,' and 'Bart sells his soul' are great too.

I'm not knocking the programme as i was a fan all through my childhood (still am a fan of early eps) and it's always nice to turn on the TV and catch a repeat of Homer, Bart and co.

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Band of Brothers (2001)

10/10

Brilliant band of brothers

15 August 2007

I recently bought the box-set and was not disappointed. I watched the show years ago and had forgotten just how good it really is, after watching one episode i want to watch the next one right away.

I'm not going to go into the story as everyone knows what this great story entails. I love the characters (Based on real men of course) and their personal struggles as well as the problems they face together. I'm not normally a person who watches any war film or Programme but this is better for me as it shows us the story in different perspectives, from the action side, through narration, the friendships, the military briefings and through the veterans themselves telling us their plight.

I think this makes the programme that little bit more special, the reality makes it easier to understand, to believe and try to figure out (You never could) what these men really went through for our freedom.

The direction is brilliant and when you watch, the colour and atmosphere seems so real, the cast all give everything they've got. I've always been a big fan of Damien Lewis, he's a great actor and i love his portrayal of Winters, i also enjoy watching George Luz, Malarky, Guarnere and loads others, i love their individual stories, i particularly liked The medic 'Eugene' story in Bastogne and Hearing Lipton narrate about the forest of Ardennes.

I wish they could make something else as good and insightful as this, something true and real about real heroes, i would like to see another world war two drama, this time from the perspective of us Brits.

Overall i give this top marks, it was heart wrenching and emotional but worth watching every single episode.

Ps- i love the theme music

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Frasier: The Innkeepers (1995)

Season 2, Episode 23

10/10

Big blue flash....cherries everywhere

22 July 2007

The Innkeepers is one of the best episodes in the entire eleven years.

It blends classic farce with many laughs. Frasier and Niles buy a restaurant, what could possibly go wrong? the chef walks out, they injure two waiters, the other staff run out when the immigration board turn up, so it's up to the Crane brothers to ask their family and friends to help.

The writing is great, each character has their own bit to do, even Gil and Bulldog appear away from the radio station and everything is a catastrophe. Frasier and Niles have no idea how to run a restaurant, it's funny because they're so smug that you love to see it all go wrong around them.

Highly recommended and everything you want in a sitcom is here, a strong plot, witty lines and a bit of chaos thrown in.

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Jekyll (2007)

4/10

Jackman and Hyde

13 July 2007

Warning: Spoilers

When i heard that the story of Jekyll and Hyde was to be made into a TV series I really wasn't keen, but i watched the first episode out of sheer curiosity. I was disappointed.

The first problem for me was the title 'Jekyll' when he was clearly named Dr.Jackman, that was obviously to get the viewers, the second problem was that it was boring and the third, too modern.

James Nesbitt is a good actor, but the script was terrible and the storyline didn't offer much excitement. It could have had a deep plot with suspense and a dark, laboratory and potions and killings, instead it was James Nesbitt with contact lenses, more hair and a big chin, trying to be psycho like.

They should have had something dramatic happen in the first ten minutes to grab your attention but instead it took about 45 minutes for anything remotely intriguing to happen.

Jackman's assistant was just annoying and it's unbelievable that she knows about this dangerous person but lets him go out to do anything. They then tried to spice it up by having some 'group' following his movements and calling him Hyde because of he reminded them of the character in the book of course (so why wasn't the show called Hyde?) The fact they linked his family ancestry to Jekyll just ruined it for me as Jekyll (or Hyde) did not have children.

It would have made more sense for Jackman to be the original 'Jekyll' for the book to have never existed in his universe, otherwise it takes away the dramatic effect over who this being is and why is he like this.

Why did he know 'Hyde' was coming at seven o' clock? knowing he's coming is like being able to invite him to dinner; how much scarier for Hyde to emerge when you least suspect it, besides he didn't scare me all that much. I couldn't care less about Hyde, i couldn't even care less about Jackman if he had died in the first half hour; i switched off after this episode and haven't been able to watch another since.

Sometimes trying to modernise an old classic does work but this didn't, it was trying to appeal to a modern audience but was in no way the chilling tale of the original gentle doctor who became a beast.

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Will & Grace (1998–2020)

5/10

Too much screaming alert!

13 July 2007

Will and Grace had its funny moments, mainly due to Jack prancing about and the silly story lines with guest actors but really its just a cheap shot at being a proper sitcom.

None of the characters have any substance, they scream way too much! what happened to understatement and less is more? The friendship is the worst part, Will and Grace, that could happen but Karen and Grace?Karen, who'd be friends with her? she insults Grace, never does any work at their office and hates Will and her own husband, she's a rich callous snob with an annoying voice and a maid who's a copy of the brilliant Marta in Frasier.

The gay element is un realistic and overplayed, we've seen all the camp stuff before, We all know a gay person and they are not all Jacks and Wills. Not every gay/lesbian likes to make everyone aware of their sexuality at any given moment.

The main problem is that the show seemed to rely on famous actors and such to keep the viewers watching. sure, we all meet Kevin Bacon and Madonna! and it got boring knowing that the actors couldn't hold an episode on their own merits.

The strictly platonic friendship between the two leads seems forced. what woman finds out her fiancée is gay and then becomes his best friend? i think they could be friends but the best? they never seem that good anyway, always insulting each other, never giving proper serious advice or doing things real friends would.

The most overrated sitcom of the 90's/00's, shallow and went on for way too long.

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Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993–2000)

2/10

Copy cats

12 July 2007

Why couldn't they just leave Saved by the bell alone instead of bringing it back with clones. I cant believe i liked watching this when i was younger.

Every year someone leaves and is replaced, they all date everyone in the group and Mr. Belding-yuck, is he in love with his students?! Screech used to be good-what happened? I liked Ryan probably because he was cute but that's about it, most of the acting was hmmm...mediocre at best.

I only have one more thing to say about it. The most memorable yet stupid quote in the world by Mr. Belding "if there's alcohol at a party, just leave!" Ha ha, yeah right, why leave? Just don't have any or have one or two no harm done. I understand that in the US you can't drink til 21 but in the UK it's 18 and didn't seem a big deal, some kids here are drinking at 14. I don't admire binge drinkers but i hardly think one beer means you're a bad kid. My friend and i still joke about this when we're having a drink ourselves.

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Hang Time (1995–2000)

6/10

Good in places

12 July 2007

The main problem with this show is the amount of times the characters leave and are replaced by new ones, giving you not much time to develop favourites.

I liked Mary-Beth as Megan Parlen was a good actress and i always liked Danny Melon but dear god the actress who plays Julie needs to take acting lessons, she has to be the most wooden actor i've ever seen.

The basketball element was OK, at least they were ambitious but i actually hate basketball and i hate how they always win and they are always the main players (those poor other guys are always the subs!) I would leave the team if the coach never let me play.

This is a bit like Saved by the bell but the story lines at least are a little different and they did touch on some issues like young mums and drugs but it was still a bit safe.

Overall an amusing show for a rainy day.

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Malibu, CA (1998–2000)

1/10

Beach bimbos

12 July 2007

Dear god where do i start? Malibu, well a cardboard cut out of a beach and some fake, terrible actors in front of it.

The worst culprits of terrible acting was Stads and Sam, they had one facial expression between them,sounding like they were reading off an autocue, were the auditions in bikinis? Traycee, not sure whether she's a bad actress (Its hard to tell) but come on, there was only two reasons why they hired her! not exactly a role model for teen girls.

And talking of two boobs, Scott and Jason, absolutely awful. Scott, gym obsessed idiot, with yet again an opposite twin brother. i am a twin, we are not opposites, we don't pull horrible stunts on one an other like childish twits, i mean how old are they? eighteen? Adults presumably.

The thing that gets me is that these 'teen' shows talk about some issues but never talk about sex or drugs or even death, the worst they get is divorced parents and their long term partner dumps them. Why on Peter Engel shows do they always land jobs on Radio shows and in bands and have their own TV shows and clothing lines? i wish life was that easy.

Sometimes i watch this to laugh at the absurdity of it, a bunch of young adults who are lifeguards and waiters, don't work hard, wear bikinis all day and then moan about their 'hard' lives.

This is one of the worst of The Whole peter Engel lot, City guys is way better and a least a little a bit gritty.

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USA High (1997–1999)

1/10

Saved by the...oops i mean USA high

12 July 2007

Basically this is the same as every other Peter Engel show, except it's set in France (Well acted in front of a big picture of the eiffel tower anyway) Shallow, same plot lines and cringe-worthy its something i used to watch only when i was seriously bored out of my mind.

First of all there's a pervy Teacher Mr.Elliot and his barmy British daughter (Who has the worst English accent ever and why are we brits portrayed as posh and insane?) There's the pointless Miss french whats her name? Ditzy Lauren - can't act for toffee, the 'cute' guy, the German weirdo, the loud in your face Winnie, short, butt of all the jokes Laz, who is cuter than the others and not all that geeky and then there was some other dude who i can't remember the name of.

It was all so cheesy and fake and managed to cliché so many different nationality's i.e the English, Germans and the french or who most teens in American shows refer to as 'Europeans' despite the fact that Europe has over forty countries in it! They were allowed to share rooms boy and girl (Yeah, they'd do that at a strict academy?) and the episodes were always about dating, cars (Does every American teen drive when they hit sixteen?) and falling out with each other, it appeared they were all terrible actors.

I later saw James Madio (Laz) acting superbly in Band of Brothers and realized it was just the crap script that made his acting so bad.

Don't watch this.

PS- how lame is the theme tune?

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kclambeth

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