Reviews

I haven't seen the film with Brandon Lee, but I caught this show while surfing Friday night primetime in Canada. This is about a man named Eric Draven who is killed with his girlfriend, but mysteriously resurrected to "set things right." The episodes aren't as moody as the movie, and take quite a different turn. The events, as to be expected, are continuing adventures, in which Eric tries to find out how he can go back to the afterlife. Mark Dacascos is great in the role of Eric Draven. He has that devil-may-care look that is perfect for The Crow, and the martial arts choreography looks fantastic (without considering that this is a television budget). The stories are always action packed with a touch of mystery in the supernatural. This is a great show with a very cool concept, and I hope it keeps going.

No, it's not the sequel to the summer blockbuster, but it's still a great series. We have Kay and Jay together, defending the earth from dangerous aliens, along with Elle at the sidelines and in the labs, and Zed the boss overseeing the whole operation. The stories sometimes seem contrived, but they are entertaining because they reveal some element of our world that makes perfect sense but is incredible. The best part of the series is the interaction between Kay and Jay. Kay has that deadpan attitude, and Jay is the wild eyed wonder. My only gripe is Kay's voice, which doesn't sound anything like Tommy Lee Jones. However, a re-cast in the second season has solved the problem. The animation is very smooth, and the art style is very quirky. The look is very stylized. However, there isn't as much detail to faces. But the settings, like MIB headquarters and vehicles, mainly the Ford LTD with tons of gadgets, are all rendered well. By the way, this series apparently takes place after the movie (there is at least one flashback to it). If you're wondering how Kay rejoined the MIB, there's a comic book called Men In Black (Retribution-note: that word is not on the cover) that bridges the gap.

I'm a fan of the comic book series, Barb Wire (or was, until its cancellation). And I'm afraid I have mixed feelings about the movie. It certainly isn't true to the comic. Barb isn't a tough as nails, but guided by her morals woman. She's a cold blooded killer for hire, in this one. Still, it's difficult not to like Pam Anderson's role, if only because of her being sexy. There is a touch of humor in her campy portrayal. It's not spectacular acting, but it's fun. Pamela also resembles the comic book Barb to an uncanny degree, and the supporting cast is wonderfully cartoony. The story isn't well written, but it gives the cute one liners ("Don't... call me babe"), and action sequences, which are all fun to watch. I realize that it isn't high art, but this movie just has a level of silliness and seriousness that's hard not to like. The music, story, and dialogue all give the movie its cheesiness, and in some way, it's made to be entertaining.

Pam is extremely sexy in this movie, and great to watch. She has a scowl all the time, and is dressed to kill in low cut, tight outfits. Sadly, we don't get that much nudity (which alone could have carried the movie). The scenes where there is some, it's pretty clear, and we get a good look at Pamela's incredible body, and the atmosphere and her poses are always very sexy. But there isn't enough of this. It's a fun blend of action, silly dialogue, nudity, and... well Pamela Anderson. Go rent it. It's not a great movie, but it's not a terrible one, and one that's a heck of a good time. NOTE: I suggest the unrated version. It contains more nudity (there isn't that much to begin with) and a ten minutes of footage at the end with Pamela nude in a bathtub, which is really great.