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mwhitmore03
Reviews
The X Files: Space (1993)
Definitely in the Bottom 10 of X Files episodes
As others have suggested, this X Files episode is among the worst of the series. Alongside episodes "3" and "Fight Club," this disappoints. The special effects are purely awful. Apparently, the special effects guy only got four days to do them, and it shows. As one of the other reviewers notes, a distressingly large portion of the episode is comprised of poorly edited stock footage, some of which is repeated unnecessarily. The acting of the supporting characters is terrible, particularly that of the actress playing Susanna Thompson. Mulder practically acts as a narrator for the episode, as he explains the happenings for Scully. Furthermore, NASA/space travel is introduced as one of Mulder's boyhood passions, but is never mentioned again in the series (see also the "Fire" episode, where we learn Mulder is afraid of fire but never encounter that fear at any other point in the series). I've watched this episode twice so far, and it just gets worse with each successive viewing. Just not worth watching. Like the eighth and ninth seasons, the first season of "The X Files" is surprisingly heavy on the weak episodes.
What Not to Wear (2003)
Possibly the best reality show on television
This is one of the only reality shows I can stomach. Unlike many reality shows that are completely gratuitous and basically smutty, this show has excellent results. I feel the hosts, Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, are fantastic. Though some of the things they say about the contestant's clothes are very critical (and often hilarious), they never denigrate the person's body or personality. They are there to help the person and almost every person who appears on the show is amazed at how good he or she looks at the end of the experience. Some complain that the show forces people into some "cookie cutter" style that reduces creativity and expression. However, that is hardly the case. Clinton and Stacy go out of their way to find clothes that fit the person's individual shape, size, and wardrobe needs. In addition, many of the contestants do need a makeover in a sense they are not dressing in a way that is appropriate for their professional lives. There is nothing wrong with helping someone look better and feel more comfortable in their own skin as well as help their career by giving them a more professional image. Long live What Not to Wear!
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Best movie ever made (possible spoilers)
There's really not much to say about this movie, other than it is the best movie ever made. Well, it may be tied with The Godfather. Anyway, beyond the amazing cast, magnificent special effects, fantastic score, and stellar sets, this movie actually has a great plot. Thanks, J.R.R. But really, I've read the each book more than once, and this is one of the only movies that I can really say that the movie is even on par with the book from which it is made. Granted, they have taken some liberties with the script, but there is so much in the books that it is to be expected. For those of you who think it is too long, I recommend reading the book and finding out how much longer it technically should have been.
The third movie is the best one just because it wraps everything up so seamlessly. I'm a sucker for happy endings, and this is like the ultimate. Thank God Peter Jackson went to New Line and did three movies instead of staying with Miramax who wanted him to make only two. This movie is, in all senses of the word, epic.
Cabin Fever (2002)
Possibly THE WORST movie I've ever seen
I work at a movie theater, and I saw this movie for free. That is the only way I'd recommend seeing it, because there is no way I would ever pay to see this
movie. The violence was gruesome and unnecessary and the plot was stupid. It
was as if the writers went through all the hokey horror movies ever made and
took all the cliches they could find to put in this film. Particularly entertaining was Rider Strong's attempt at being a thoughtful, real human being. "F*** you"
peppered all through the script also made it one of the worst movie going
experiences ever.
In summary: this movie is predictable, bloody, and in no way scary. By the way, 9 out of the 10 people that come out of the theater tell me: "Wow, that movie sucked!"
The Simpsons (1989)
Absolutely THE BEST TV show ever
The Simpsons is universal. Basically, you quote something from the Simpsons, 95% of people will crack up in recognition. Not only is the show funny, it takes knowledge of pop culture and a keen eye to notice and understand all the jokes. Some of the humor can be a little too crude for some viewers, but mostly, the show is hilarious and high class. You can watch an episode ten times and notice something new each time. Hopefully, the Simpsons will be with us for years to come.
Boy Meets World (1993)
A great show, unless you're too picky...
Boy Meets World has been one of my favorite shows ever since it aired in 1993. I very much enjoyed watching Cory, Shawn, and Topanga grow up and face life's problems together. I admit there were some things that seemed a little impossible (i.e. Mr. Feeny following them all from elementary school through college, all of them going to PennBrook) and some inconsistencies (Eric used to be three years older, but somehow he and all of Cory's friends seemed to graduate at the same time, etc.) but the show was really pretty funny and heartwarming. It wasn't a show for the cynical and unromantic, but most people appreciated the funny plotlines, intriguing romances, and clever actors that the show encompassed. I liked how Shawn and Angela ended up together, and I was glad that Cory and Topanga got married. I was sorry to see Mr. Turner go, and upset that Minkus's character wasn't more developed throughout middle and high schools and college. The show did an excellent job of developing the characters throughout their school years in a realistic way. Also, there was a superb balance between humor and drama, especially toward the end of the show. I was sorry to see the end of the show, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were a reunion special somewhere in the future.
Cinderella (1965)
One of the better Rodgers and Hammersteins' musicals
Cinderella was definitely one of Rodgers' and Hammersteins' better musicals. Far better than Carousel. Lesley Ann Warren was charming in her breakthrough performance. Also has a cracking soundtrack. Despite the fact that it was a TV movie, Rodgers and Hammersteins' Cinderella was a fun and interesting film.
Center Stage (2000)
I think you have to be a dancer for this one...
I personally loved Center Stage. I have taken ballet for 12 years. I think in order to truly appreciate this movie, you have to be a dancer. Dancers understand what hard work dancing really is. Therefore, they can empathize with the trials Jody and her friends underwent in order to get into the company. To devote yourself to dance is a difficult thing, something that takes patience and a high tolerance for pain. Seeing the characters played by famous dancers really made me happy as well. And of course, being the hopeless romantic I am, I loved the happy ending with Jody and Charlie. I recommend this to anyone who has ever dreamed of dancing or actually does.
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Better than the first!
The Mummy Returns was a surprisingly good sequel. While many sequels totally abolish the characters established in the original, the Mummy Returns retains the stellar cast that added to the success of the first movie. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, playing the married O'Connell couple, have impressive on-screen chemistry. Return performances by John Hannah and Oded Fehr further increase the movie's excellence. Though the actors used were excellent, it was not a case of casting stars to save a poor plot. The plot is riveting, and is enriched by the use of amazing special effects and stunning fight scenes. All in all, a superb movie.
Autumn in New York (2000)
Okay, this was BAD
First of all, who's going to believe that a 50 year old like Richard Gere is going to stop his playboy ways for Winona Ryder? Especially when she's terminally ill. I think everyone's sick of seeing very old men hooking up with very young women. It's totally unbelievable. Plus, the plot was one of the most cliche, corny things I've ever seen. Not very interesting at all. And what was up with that sex scene? Was it from the goldfish's point of view? Very weird.
The Mummy (1999)
This movie is the best!!
This movie has it all: an awesome cast (namely Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and Oded Fehr), action, romance, special effects...you name it, the Mummy's got it. Not to mention a fabulous sequel. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz have stunning chemistry on screen, and John Hannah creates excellent comic relief. The special effects are amazingly realistic. There is a perfect balance of romance and action that is very rare in movies like this one.