Reviews

I was really concerned when I went to see this movie last night (midnight showing) that I wasn't going to like it at all. All the critics had panned it and other people's reviews I had read did not give compelling reasons for liking it.

However, it turned out that this movie is waaaaay better than the critics claim. It's only drawback is that it is long and a few scenes could have been worked out. Despite this, I loved the action sequences and I didn't at all find the plot to be razor thin by any means. What I think this movie is suffering from is critic's bologna. These are the same people who claimed Spider-Man 2 was the greatest superhero movie ever made. It's great but not the best (in fact I got kinda bored through it). The point being that since they hold that sequel to such a high standard they have since panned all other attempts by other franchises.

The plot to POTC:DMC is actually quite similar to the first in scope and execution but it is no way a repeat. Gore Verbinski does a great job again at the helm of direction and the music by Hans Zimmer goes very well with the action sequences. And the ending is a nice set up to the third movie due out next year. I was not "overstimulated" as one critic has put it and I never found any of the returning main characters to be annoying or less than what they were before. I think actually that Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) is much more real character now than she was in the first. I honestly believed this time that she was more than just a pretty governor's daughter.

My advice: definitely go see it. The critics have no idea what they're talking about. I think I might even like this one more than the first, which is saying a lot since I loved the first one a great deal.

9/10

I had always been a fan of Brent Butt's comedy stylings, watching him on his specials and on Just For Laughs so when it came time to sit down and watch his new show, I was more than excited. Thankfully, I was treated to a fabulously written simple comedy about very small town life in Saskatchewan. Having grown-up on a farm myself, I couldn't help but chuckle with the identifiable characters on the show with their small town foibles and mentalities. I'm glad that Canadians have embraced this show and that it already has the green light for next season. I'm sure that any Americans (esp in the mid-west) who have access to CTV will also enjoy the humour being portrayed. Corner Gas is a simple comedy but that doesn't make it any less successful at its job; its a perfect blend of Canadian small town living and comedic satire. A Must See!!

This show deserves any and all the recognition that it gets as television doesn't get much better than this show.

Yes, Made In Canada is a biting satire, nicely set up by its placement: Canadian television production. But at the same time, it is so undeniably quirky that I'm always left in stitches. Constant running gags like that of "Network Brian" always wearing white running shoes with his suits, one cast member at the end of almost every episode saying either "I think that went well" or "This is not good", the references to 'Prom Night At Horny High' and the fun looks that Rick Mercer (Richard Strong) will occasionally give the camera.

Typically Canadian and truly awe inspiring, Made In Canada is show I watch now in reruns whenever possible, and without fail. There isn't an episode not worthy of a multiple viewing and thankfully both Showcase and CBC run it daily.

If you've never seen this show, you are incredibly disadvantaged as a television viewer; nothing comes close to this calibur. If I were you I would find a way to watch it.

My only hope is that eventually this show's five seasons will come out on DVD. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

***** out of *****

I didn't watch this show when it aired originally and I was always disappointed that I hadn't. However, I've been fortunate enough to catch it on Showcase here in Canada in reruns and even lucky enough to see the pilot as well. I'm almost done the first season (I have seen later, fourth season episodes) and I'm grateful that I am able to see this show finally. Sometimes I kick myself for not watching it originally but I am reminded that three things can always be counted on in life: death, taxes, and syndication. There is nothing about this show that I don't enjoy thoroughly. Paul Gross is top-notch as Fraser (you gotta love those Canadian actors:)) and the script so beautifully written as a full piece of art. The supporting characters are wonderful, perfect compliments to the script and I am never disappointed with the plot. Sometimes I'm on the edge of my seat with a case with Fraser and Vecchio and other times I laugh, out loud mind you, at the clashing of Canadian and American foibles. It doesn't insult; it eludes to differences that everyone sees and it never offends.

T.V. is so often flooded with terrible television developed solely around a laugh track and a big name who often can't carry themselves. It is a real joy to remember that sometimes really well-crafted television is and has been out there and thanks to inevitable syndication, I can always find at least one show to watch, thankfully. Those of you who find that television is ruthless and overbearing need to sit and watch this show from the first episode on so that you too can enjoy the small screen for once.