Question: How about one?

Joss Whedon's The Avengers is a perfect movie, with very minor flaws. Watching the movie filled me with the awe & excitement of a true spectacle, well at the same time making me genuinely laugh out loud, & also making me feel for these soldiers out of time, flawed men in armor, assassins seeking redemption, Gods who make mistakes, marksmen trying not to miss the target & scientists filled with anger. All the actors involved pulled me in & catapulted me through this massive vision of powerful beings colliding physically & mentally. Joss showed the innate property of Marvel characters, though they may posses abilities beyond normal humans, they still feel, have flaws, make mistakes, have good days & bad, they are still grounded in humanity, even the demigods, that you begin to identify with their struggles & want them to persevere & win the day. Joss Whedon, only he could have assembled such a great movie, he truly deserves the adoration of movie goers worldwide.

Answer: have good days & bad

Joss Whedon's The Avengers is a perfect movie, with very minor flaws. Watching the movie filled me with the awe & excitement of a true spectacle, well at the same time making me genuinely laugh out loud, & also making me feel for these soldiers out of time, flawed men in armor, assassins seeking redemption, Gods who make mistakes, marksmen trying not to miss the target & scientists filled with anger. All the actors involved pulled me in & catapulted me through this massive vision of powerful beings colliding physically & mentally. <hl> Joss showed the innate property of Marvel characters, though they may posses abilities beyond normal humans, they still feel, have flaws, make mistakes, have good days & bad , they are still grounded in humanity, even the demigods, that you begin to identify with their struggles & want them to persevere & win the day. <hl> Joss Whedon, only he could have assembled such a great movie, he truly deserves the adoration of movie goers worldwide.

Joss Whedon's The Avengers is a perfect movie, with very minor flaws. Watching the movie filled me with the awe & excitement of a true spectacle, well at the same time making me genuinely laugh out loud, & also making me feel for these soldiers out of time, flawed men in armor, assassins seeking redemption, Gods who make mistakes, marksmen trying not to miss the target & scientists filled with anger. All the actors involved pulled me in & catapulted me through this massive vision of powerful beings colliding physically & mentally. Joss showed the innate property of Marvel characters, though they may posses abilities beyond normal humans, they still feel, have flaws, make mistakes, <hl> have good days & bad <hl>, they are still grounded in humanity, even the demigods, that you begin to identify with their struggles & want them to persevere & win the day. Joss Whedon, only he could have assembled such a great movie, he truly deserves the adoration of movie goers worldwide.

Joss showed the innate property of Marvel characters, though they may posses abilities beyond normal humans, they still feel, have flaws, make mistakes, <hl> have good days & bad <hl> , they are still grounded in humanity, even the demigods, that you begin to identify with their struggles & want them to persevere & win the day.


Question: How is problem?

Hollywood has always gone out of the way to portray life in the big city, or on the countryside, but the suburban lifestyle remained to be explored in greater detail. "American Beauty," a script written by Alan Ball, would become the most praised film of 1999, exploring the ups and downs of suburbia through the eyes of one man. As boasted in the movie trailers, "American Beauty" proves that a comedy can be serious, and a drama can be humorous.The film contains a large cargo of controversial issues, from drug use and dysfunctional families to homosexuality and sexual relationships that span two different age groups. In a time period where so many people are too timid to discuss these issues it is refreshing to see that a movie which is widely available to the general public is carrying all of these issues among its lines of dialogue and sweeping camera shots. Director Sam Mendes keeps the movie going at its own unique pace, bringing the characters to life with a top-notch cast and a superb crew.Kevin Spacey is the ever-drab Lester Burnham, a typical suburban male who leads a monotonous, routine lifestyle with his domineering, real-estate wife Carolyn, and his emotionally-distanced daughter Jane. A typical day at work and a family dinner are among the many aspects of life shown through Lester's eyes. When Carolyn and Lester attend Jane's cheerleading performance at a school basketball game, Lester is suddenly thrown into a world of sexual fantasy when he lays eyes on his daughter's friend, Angela Hayes. This begins his descent/ascent, and is soon working out to build up his body for his new love and smoking joints he gets from his teenage next door neighbor. He quits his job, blackmails his old boss, and begins working as a short-order cook at a fast-food restaurant.This is perhaps one of the most controversial films ever. But, it is also one of the most hauntingly realistic and powerful movies that has ever moved audiences to feel such emotion for life and connection to the characters it portrays. Each scene has its own way of making us believe in the emotions that Lester is experiencing, and very soon, we are in his world, going through the life that he is living, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and sometimes bewildered by his actions. To be able to feel that deep a connection is the mark of a truly great film.Kevin Spacey makes the most unbelievable character in history, bringing such hilarity and laughter to the screen, while at the same time making sure the audience knows that his character is being totally serious and sincere in his actions, and not doing it for mere attention. Annette Bening is wonderful in her role as Carolyn, who is the strong yet very fragile wife of Lester. She has a wonderful knack for showing her emotion, whether it be happy or sad, at all times of filming. The teenage actors, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari and Wes Bentley, are superbly rendered here, making the teenage aspect of the story realistic and memorable.The film has a great deal to offer for all age groups who watch it. It deals with real-life issues in a reality-based setting, with characters who can easily parallel people in real life. It is no wonder that the film received the awards it did; it is a truly remarkable masterpiece that will be remembered by all for years to come.

Answer: exploring

Hollywood has always gone out of the way to portray life in the big city, or on the countryside, but the suburban lifestyle remained to be explored in greater detail. & <hl> quot;American Beauty," a script written by Alan Ball, would become the most praised film of 1999, exploring the ups and downs of suburbia through the eyes of one man. <hl> As boasted in the movie trailers, "American Beauty" proves that a comedy can be serious, and a drama can be humorous. The film contains a large cargo of controversial issues, from drug use and dysfunctional families to homosexuality and sexual relationships that span two different age groups. In a time period where so many people are too timid to discuss these issues it is refreshing to see that a movie which is widely available to the general public is carrying all of these issues among its lines of dialogue and sweeping camera shots. Director Sam Mendes keeps the movie going at its own unique pace, bringing the characters to life with a top-notch cast and a superb crew. Kevin Spacey is the ever-drab Lester Burnham, a typical suburban male who leads a monotonous, routine lifestyle with his domineering, real-estate wife Carolyn, and his emotionally-distanced daughter Jane. A typical day at work and a family dinner are among the many aspects of life shown through Lester's eyes. When Carolyn and Lester attend Jane's cheerleading performance at a school basketball game, Lester is suddenly thrown into a world of sexual fantasy when he lays eyes on his daughter's friend, Angela Hayes. This begins his descent/ascent, and is soon working out to build up his body for his new love and smoking joints he gets from his teenage next door neighbor. He quits his job, blackmails his old boss, and begins working as a short-order cook at a fast-food restaurant. This is perhaps one of the most controversial films ever. But, it is also one of the most hauntingly realistic and powerful movies that has ever moved audiences to feel such emotion for life and connection to the characters it portrays. Each scene has its own way of making us believe in the emotions that Lester is experiencing, and very soon, we are in his world, going through the life that he is living, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and sometimes bewildered by his actions. To be able to feel that deep a connection is the mark of a truly great film. Kevin Spacey makes the most unbelievable character in history, bringing such hilarity and laughter to the screen, while at the same time making sure the audience knows that his character is being totally serious and sincere in his actions, and not doing it for mere attention. Annette Bening is wonderful in her role as Carolyn, who is the strong yet very fragile wife of Lester. She has a wonderful knack for showing her emotion, whether it be happy or sad, at all times of filming. The teenage actors, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari and Wes Bentley, are superbly rendered here, making the teenage aspect of the story realistic and memorable. The film has a great deal to offer for all age groups who watch it. It deals with real-life issues in a reality-based setting, with characters who can easily parallel people in real life. It is no wonder that the film received the awards it did; it is a truly remarkable masterpiece that will be remembered by all for years to come.

Hollywood has always gone out of the way to portray life in the big city, or on the countryside, but the suburban lifestyle remained to be explored in greater detail. "American Beauty," a script written by Alan Ball, would become the most praised film of 1999, <hl> exploring <hl> the ups and downs of suburbia through the eyes of one man. As boasted in the movie trailers, "American Beauty" proves that a comedy can be serious, and a drama can be humorous.The film contains a large cargo of controversial issues, from drug use and dysfunctional families to homosexuality and sexual relationships that span two different age groups. In a time period where so many people are too timid to discuss these issues it is refreshing to see that a movie which is widely available to the general public is carrying all of these issues among its lines of dialogue and sweeping camera shots. Director Sam Mendes keeps the movie going at its own unique pace, bringing the characters to life with a top-notch cast and a superb crew.Kevin Spacey is the ever-drab Lester Burnham, a typical suburban male who leads a monotonous, routine lifestyle with his domineering, real-estate wife Carolyn, and his emotionally-distanced daughter Jane. A typical day at work and a family dinner are among the many aspects of life shown through Lester's eyes. When Carolyn and Lester attend Jane's cheerleading performance at a school basketball game, Lester is suddenly thrown into a world of sexual fantasy when he lays eyes on his daughter's friend, Angela Hayes. This begins his descent/ascent, and is soon working out to build up his body for his new love and smoking joints he gets from his teenage next door neighbor. He quits his job, blackmails his old boss, and begins working as a short-order cook at a fast-food restaurant.This is perhaps one of the most controversial films ever. But, it is also one of the most hauntingly realistic and powerful movies that has ever moved audiences to feel such emotion for life and connection to the characters it portrays. Each scene has its own way of making us believe in the emotions that Lester is experiencing, and very soon, we are in his world, going through the life that he is living, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and sometimes bewildered by his actions. To be able to feel that deep a connection is the mark of a truly great film.Kevin Spacey makes the most unbelievable character in history, bringing such hilarity and laughter to the screen, while at the same time making sure the audience knows that his character is being totally serious and sincere in his actions, and not doing it for mere attention. Annette Bening is wonderful in her role as Carolyn, who is the strong yet very fragile wife of Lester. She has a wonderful knack for showing her emotion, whether it be happy or sad, at all times of filming. The teenage actors, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari and Wes Bentley, are superbly rendered here, making the teenage aspect of the story realistic and memorable.The film has a great deal to offer for all age groups who watch it. It deals with real-life issues in a reality-based setting, with characters who can easily parallel people in real life. It is no wonder that the film received the awards it did; it is a truly remarkable masterpiece that will be remembered by all for years to come.

quot;American Beauty," a script written by Alan Ball, would become the most praised film of 1999, <hl> exploring <hl> the ups and downs of suburbia through the eyes of one man.


Question: How is the actor?

And by "Ages" I mean all time as well as people of all ages. I was not familiar with the books and had never even heard of the title until this last spring when news of it was everywhere. I thought "hmm...sounds like another movie targeted at tweens/teens like the Twilight movies". Boy was I wrong!!! Twilight is not even in the same league as this movie and will fade away over time. What makes this movie so great is the story as well as the great acting. This movie is destined to become a CLASSIC in the mold of Fahrenheit 451, 1984 and other 'totalitarian state" movies/books. The story is eerily like where the world actually appears headed...where the elite 1% have 99% of the wealth and everyone else shares the remaining 1% of the wealth. And hence, the depiction of the decadence of the rich and their disdain for "the masses" really hits home and builds up our emotional "involvement" in the movie. Clearly, the author was shooting to sensitive us to the dangers of where we are headed. Anyway, the movie plot/story really feeds on this "us vs them" dynamic and does so brilliantly. What could be worse than the 1% demanding a "tribute" in the form of taking our children to die in a gory spectacle for their evil pleasure? The acting in this movie is superb by both the veterans and new-comers. The two main protagonists are both very appealing and you really want them to pull through. Donald Sutherland as the "king" of the 1% plays his role to evil perfection. And Woody....sleeper for best supporting actor? Too many great performance to list here. The cinematography is excellent and the scenes of battle/conflict are grim and realistic. And the feelings of young adults faced with being thrust into such a situation are played well. And lastly, the actress who plays Katniss is so "hot" that my new LCD TV almost melted. Another actress in this role and the movie would be still be good. But Jennifer puts this movie over the top...perfect casting. I have never been so wrong about a movie going in relative to the hype and what I expected to see. 11 out of 10!!!

Answer: The acting in this movie is superb

And by "Ages" I mean all time as well as people of all ages. I was not familiar with the books and had never even heard of the title until this last spring when news of it was everywhere. I thought "hmm...sounds like another movie targeted at tweens/teens like the Twilight movies". Boy was I wrong!!! Twilight is not even in the same league as this movie and will fade away over time. What makes this movie so great is the story as well as the great acting. This movie is destined to become a CLASSIC in the mold of Fahrenheit 451, 1984 and other 'totalitarian state" movies/books. The story is eerily like where the world actually appears headed...where the elite 1% have 99% of the wealth and everyone else shares the remaining 1% of the wealth. And hence, the depiction of the decadence of the rich and their disdain for "the masses" really hits home and builds up our emotional "involvement" in the movie. Clearly, the author was shooting to sensitive us to the dangers of where we are headed. Anyway, the movie plot/story really feeds on this "us vs them" dynamic and does so brilliantly. <hl> What could be worse than the 1% demanding a "tribute" in the form of taking our children to die in a gory spectacle for their evil pleasure? The acting in this movie is superb by both the veterans and new-comers. <hl> The two main protagonists are both very appealing and you really want them to pull through. Donald Sutherland as the "king" of the 1% plays his role to evil perfection. And Woody....sleeper for best supporting actor? Too many great performance to list here. The cinematography is excellent and the scenes of battle/conflict are grim and realistic. And the feelings of young adults faced with being thrust into such a situation are played well. And lastly, the actress who plays Katniss is so "hot" that my new LCD TV almost melted. Another actress in this role and the movie would be still be good. But Jennifer puts this movie over the top...perfect casting. I have never been so wrong about a movie going in relative to the hype and what I expected to see. 11 out of 10!!!

And by "Ages" I mean all time as well as people of all ages. I was not familiar with the books and had never even heard of the title until this last spring when news of it was everywhere. I thought "hmm...sounds like another movie targeted at tweens/teens like the Twilight movies". Boy was I wrong!!! Twilight is not even in the same league as this movie and will fade away over time. What makes this movie so great is the story as well as the great acting. This movie is destined to become a CLASSIC in the mold of Fahrenheit 451, 1984 and other 'totalitarian state" movies/books. The story is eerily like where the world actually appears headed...where the elite 1% have 99% of the wealth and everyone else shares the remaining 1% of the wealth. And hence, the depiction of the decadence of the rich and their disdain for "the masses" really hits home and builds up our emotional "involvement" in the movie. Clearly, the author was shooting to sensitive us to the dangers of where we are headed. Anyway, the movie plot/story really feeds on this "us vs them" dynamic and does so brilliantly. What could be worse than the 1% demanding a "tribute" in the form of taking our children to die in a gory spectacle for their evil pleasure? <hl> The acting in this movie is superb <hl> by both the veterans and new-comers. The two main protagonists are both very appealing and you really want them to pull through. Donald Sutherland as the "king" of the 1% plays his role to evil perfection. And Woody....sleeper for best supporting actor? Too many great performance to list here. The cinematography is excellent and the scenes of battle/conflict are grim and realistic. And the feelings of young adults faced with being thrust into such a situation are played well. And lastly, the actress who plays Katniss is so "hot" that my new LCD TV almost melted. Another actress in this role and the movie would be still be good. But Jennifer puts this movie over the top...perfect casting. I have never been so wrong about a movie going in relative to the hype and what I expected to see. 11 out of 10!!!


Question: How is action?

If you like violence and comedy then watch the Expendables 2, just as funny and outrageous as the first. Take a bunch of washed up action heroes and give them guns and look out. The action is fast and furious. If you are looking for reality, skip this movie as nothing real about it. If you are looking for plausibility, skip this movie but if you want laughs with intense ridiculous action then you might like this movie.

Answer: The action is fast and furious

The action is fast and furious .

If you like violence and comedy then watch the Expendables 2, just as funny and outrageous as the first. Take a bunch of washed up action heroes and give them guns and look out. <hl> The action is fast and furious . <hl> If you are looking for reality, skip this movie as nothing real about it. If you are looking for plausibility, skip this movie but if you want laughs with intense ridiculous action then you might like this movie.

If you like violence and comedy then watch the Expendables 2, just as funny and outrageous as the first. Take a bunch of washed up action heroes and give them guns and look out. <hl> The action is fast and furious <hl>. If you are looking for reality, skip this movie as nothing real about it. If you are looking for plausibility, skip this movie but if you want laughs with intense ridiculous action then you might like this movie.

<hl> The action is fast and furious <hl> .


Question: What is the quality of the movie?

in my mind,Batman Begins is easily one of the best superhero movies ever made.the movie basically tells the story of the genesis of the caped crusader.obviously,there is a fair amount of character development involved,which you would expect based on the title.but not so much that the film becomes tedious.Batman is shown as more of a full dimensional character than in previous incarnations..Director Christopher Nolan shows great skill as a director,pacing the film very well.there are also some touches of humour throughout and we get to see a more human side to Bruce Wayne.The villains are also more fully realized than in most movies of the genre,instead of simply being devices for the hero(the protagonist)to have a villain(antagonist)to defeat.Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are standouts in their respective roles,as is Liam Neeson.Katie Holmes has yet to reach the level of maturity require for her role,so she is a bit weak.This Batman movie is less cartoonish than previous efforts,and is closer to the realm of realism(relatively speaking).the movie is also more thoughtful than many movies depicting superheros.there is much more substance.in fact more substance than style,though it is just stylistic enough.All in all a brilliant depiction of the origin of the caped crusader. 5/5

Answer: All in all a brilliant depiction of the origin of the caped crusader. 5/5

in my mind,Batman Begins is easily one of the best superhero movies ever made.the movie basically tells the story of the genesis of the caped crusader.obviously,there is a fair amount of character development involved,which you would expect based on the title.but not so much that the film becomes tedious. Batman is shown as more of a full dimensional character than in previous incarnations..Director Christopher Nolan shows great skill as a director,pacing the film very well.there are also some touches of humour throughout and we get to see a more human side to Bruce Wayne. The villains are also more fully realized than in most movies of the genre,instead of simply being devices for the hero(the protagonist)to have a villain(antagonist)to defeat. Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are standouts in their respective roles,as is Liam Neeson. Katie Holmes has yet to reach the level of maturity require for her role,so she is a bit weak. This Batman movie is less cartoonish than previous efforts,and is closer to the realm of realism(relatively speaking).the movie is also more thoughtful than many movies depicting superheros.there is much more substance.in fact more substance than style,though it is just stylistic enough. <hl> All in all a brilliant depiction of the origin of the caped crusader. 5/5 <hl>

in my mind,Batman Begins is easily one of the best superhero movies ever made.the movie basically tells the story of the genesis of the caped crusader.obviously,there is a fair amount of character development involved,which you would expect based on the title.but not so much that the film becomes tedious.Batman is shown as more of a full dimensional character than in previous incarnations..Director Christopher Nolan shows great skill as a director,pacing the film very well.there are also some touches of humour throughout and we get to see a more human side to Bruce Wayne.The villains are also more fully realized than in most movies of the genre,instead of simply being devices for the hero(the protagonist)to have a villain(antagonist)to defeat.Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are standouts in their respective roles,as is Liam Neeson.Katie Holmes has yet to reach the level of maturity require for her role,so she is a bit weak.This Batman movie is less cartoonish than previous efforts,and is closer to the realm of realism(relatively speaking).the movie is also more thoughtful than many movies depicting superheros.there is much more substance.in fact more substance than style,though it is just stylistic enough.<hl> All in all a brilliant depiction of the origin of the caped crusader. 5/5 <hl>


Question: How is the movie?

In what is one of the more anticipated Disney animated features since Tangled, the mousy studio has released its remarkable musical Frozen.  Starring Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars), Idina Menzel (Wicked, Glee), Jonathan Groff (Glee), and Josh Gad (The Book of Mormon Musical, Ice Age: Continental Drift), Disney's latest is fresh, bold, and unique in ways that should be applauded.Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen, Frozen centers on two princesses, Elsa (Idina Menzel), the soon-to-be Queen, and Anna (Kristen Bell) of the fictional Norwegian kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has the ability to create snow and ice, but suppressed these powers after a traumatic childhood incident involving Anna. After her cryokinetic powers got out of hand during her official July coronation, she goes into hiding, but her emotions trigger a magical, eternal winter that freezes the entire kingdom. The arrogant Duke of Weselton (Alan Tudyk) plots to turn everyone against "the monster" Elsa for his own devilish needs.Let's face it: the marketing for this film has been atrocious.  It has been cryptic to the point of turning folks off of the film.  The synopsis that I just provided above tells you much more than any trailer they've released.  This is too bad, because the film is delightful.Audiences are going to want to compare this to Tangled, which I think is fair, it being the last Disney musical in recent memory.  Tangled is a masterpiece that is a high bar to be up against, but I think Frozen is up to the task.  Therefore, the basis of this review will such a comparison.First off, the music in this true musical (there are 9 musical numbers compared to the 4 in Tangled) is fabulous!  They employed husband-and-wife songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez to write the songs, and they are fantastic.  I'm listening to the soundtrack as I write this, and it knocks the socks off of Tangled, in my opinion.The vocals are better than Tangled as well, with both Bell and Menzel being better singers than Mandy Moore.  And the amazing voice acting/singing doesn't stop at the leads: Groff and Gad are just as marvelous in their roles.This has been called a feminist film, which I think is true and not in a bad way.  It passes the arbitrary Bechdel test with flying colors, but doesn't try to punch you in the face with any overt feminist messages.  It's just a great movie about two sisters who are trying to navigate their way through the difficult circumstances that they were born to.Visually, the only thing better this year is Gravity.  The 3D is spectacular, although not essential.  The animation is flawless and stunning.Where Frozen falls short of Tangled is in its script.  The script just isn't as tight and the payoff and climax are not nearly as good.  Tangled's ending was so touching and caused me to tear up a bit, where this ending was just plain good and nothing more.  Although, the humor is probably a bit better in Frozen, if only by a hair.Besides a few script issues Frozen will be an instant classic, with its music and voices more than making up for its shortcomings.  I give it a 4.5/5 stars.  I can't recommend it enough!

Answer: Frozen

<hl> In what is one of the more anticipated Disney animated features since Tangled, the mousy studio has released its remarkable musical Frozen . <hl> Starring Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars), Idina Menzel (Wicked, Glee), Jonathan Groff (Glee), and Josh Gad (The Book of Mormon Musical, Ice Age: Continental Drift), Disney's latest is fresh, bold, and unique in ways that should be applauded. Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen, Frozen centers on two princesses, Elsa (Idina Menzel), the soon-to-be Queen, and Anna (Kristen Bell) of the fictional Norwegian kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has the ability to create snow and ice, but suppressed these powers after a traumatic childhood incident involving Anna. After her cryokinetic powers got out of hand during her official July coronation, she goes into hiding, but her emotions trigger a magical, eternal winter that freezes the entire kingdom. The arrogant Duke of Weselton (Alan Tudyk) plots to turn everyone against "the monster" Elsa for his own devilish needs. Let's face it: the marketing for this film has been atrocious. It has been cryptic to the point of turning folks off of the film. The synopsis that I just provided above tells you much more than any trailer they've released. This is too bad, because the film is delightful. Audiences are going to want to compare this to Tangled, which I think is fair, it being the last Disney musical in recent memory. Tangled is a masterpiece that is a high bar to be up against, but I think Frozen is up to the task. Therefore, the basis of this review will such a comparison. First off, the music in this true musical (there are 9 musical numbers compared to the 4 in Tangled) is fabulous! They employed husband-and-wife songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez to write the songs, and they are fantastic. I'm listening to the soundtrack as I write this, and it knocks the socks off of Tangled, in my opinion. The vocals are better than Tangled as well, with both Bell and Menzel being better singers than Mandy Moore. And the amazing voice acting/singing doesn't stop at the leads: Groff and Gad are just as marvelous in their roles. This has been called a feminist film, which I think is true and not in a bad way. It passes the arbitrary Bechdel test with flying colors, but doesn't try to punch you in the face with any overt feminist messages. It's just a great movie about two sisters who are trying to navigate their way through the difficult circumstances that they were born to. Visually, the only thing better this year is Gravity. The 3D is spectacular, although not essential. The animation is flawless and stunning. Where Frozen falls short of Tangled is in its script. The script just isn't as tight and the payoff and climax are not nearly as good. Tangled's ending was so touching and caused me to tear up a bit, where this ending was just plain good and nothing more. Although, the humor is probably a bit better in Frozen, if only by a hair. Besides a few script issues Frozen will be an instant classic, with its music and voices more than making up for its shortcomings. I give it a 4.5/5 stars. I can't recommend it enough!

In what is one of the more anticipated Disney animated features since Tangled, the mousy studio has released its remarkable musical <hl> Frozen <hl>. Starring Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars), Idina Menzel (Wicked, Glee), Jonathan Groff (Glee), and Josh Gad (The Book of Mormon Musical, Ice Age: Continental Drift), Disney's latest is fresh, bold, and unique in ways that should be applauded.Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen, Frozen centers on two princesses, Elsa (Idina Menzel), the soon-to-be Queen, and Anna (Kristen Bell) of the fictional Norwegian kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has the ability to create snow and ice, but suppressed these powers after a traumatic childhood incident involving Anna. After her cryokinetic powers got out of hand during her official July coronation, she goes into hiding, but her emotions trigger a magical, eternal winter that freezes the entire kingdom. The arrogant Duke of Weselton (Alan Tudyk) plots to turn everyone against "the monster" Elsa for his own devilish needs.Let's face it: the marketing for this film has been atrocious. It has been cryptic to the point of turning folks off of the film. The synopsis that I just provided above tells you much more than any trailer they've released. This is too bad, because the film is delightful.Audiences are going to want to compare this to Tangled, which I think is fair, it being the last Disney musical in recent memory. Tangled is a masterpiece that is a high bar to be up against, but I think Frozen is up to the task. Therefore, the basis of this review will such a comparison.First off, the music in this true musical (there are 9 musical numbers compared to the 4 in Tangled) is fabulous! They employed husband-and-wife songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez to write the songs, and they are fantastic. I'm listening to the soundtrack as I write this, and it knocks the socks off of Tangled, in my opinion.The vocals are better than Tangled as well, with both Bell and Menzel being better singers than Mandy Moore. And the amazing voice acting/singing doesn't stop at the leads: Groff and Gad are just as marvelous in their roles.This has been called a feminist film, which I think is true and not in a bad way. It passes the arbitrary Bechdel test with flying colors, but doesn't try to punch you in the face with any overt feminist messages. It's just a great movie about two sisters who are trying to navigate their way through the difficult circumstances that they were born to.Visually, the only thing better this year is Gravity. The 3D is spectacular, although not essential. The animation is flawless and stunning.Where Frozen falls short of Tangled is in its script. The script just isn't as tight and the payoff and climax are not nearly as good. Tangled's ending was so touching and caused me to tear up a bit, where this ending was just plain good and nothing more. Although, the humor is probably a bit better in Frozen, if only by a hair.Besides a few script issues Frozen will be an instant classic, with its music and voices more than making up for its shortcomings. I give it a 4.5/5 stars. I can't recommend it enough!

In what is one of the more anticipated Disney animated features since Tangled, the mousy studio has released its remarkable musical <hl> Frozen <hl> .


Question: How is the dvd quality?

3.5 StarsI've seen quite a range of opinion in the amazon reviews and my opinion falls somewhere in the middle.  I find the movie to be entertaining, if somewhat predictable, but very well produced.  But if the movie is less than expected from hard core fans, at least a continuity of sorts is established by seeing Anakin as a young boy and Obi Wan as a young man.  The video, audio and special effects are excellent, as expected for any Star Wars film.

Answer: The video, audio and special effects are excellent

3.5 StarsI've seen quite a range of opinion in the amazon reviews and my opinion falls somewhere in the middle. I find the movie to be entertaining, if somewhat predictable, but very well produced. But if the movie is less than expected from hard core fans, at least a continuity of sorts is established by seeing Anakin as a young boy and Obi Wan as a young man. <hl> The video, audio and special effects are excellent , as expected for any Star Wars film. <hl>

3.5 StarsI've seen quite a range of opinion in the amazon reviews and my opinion falls somewhere in the middle. I find the movie to be entertaining, if somewhat predictable, but very well produced. But if the movie is less than expected from hard core fans, at least a continuity of sorts is established by seeing Anakin as a young boy and Obi Wan as a young man. <hl> The video, audio and special effects are excellent <hl>, as expected for any Star Wars film.

<hl> The video, audio and special effects are excellent <hl> , as expected for any Star Wars film.


Question: How is character?

Like most Star Wars fans, I literally counted down the days until this was released. Then, on opening day, I saw it. And all the magic I experienced as a kid was gone. Sure it has great visual fx, but my God! The story was horrible! The Trade Federation is blockading the planet of Naboo? Huh?! What the hell does that mean? How many kids are going to understand that? At least in the original trilogy the story was easy to comprehend. An evil empire. A big, bad Death Star that can destroy entire planets. A princess that needs rescuing. It was simple, but it worked. With this new trilogy, George Lucas seemed to think that computer fx was all he needed to make a great movie. The story, obviously was secondary. As was the acting. I swear, there were times I literally cringed when certain dialogue was spoken. Ok, enough of that. It did have a few good things to offer us "old fans", but not enough to give this even a 3 star rating. Here is where I think the film succeeded and where it failed.The good:1) The visual fx. Wow. The film sure looks good. The vehicles, the digital characters. It sure makes the fx in the first trilogy look antique.2) The pod race. Holy crap! The was ten times more exciting than the speeder bike race in "Return of the Jedi".3) Darth Maul. Need I say more?4) The lightsaber battles. Finally we get to see what the Jedi (and the Sith) are really capable of.5) The origin of C-3PO. So, Vader/Anakin made him huh? Cool!6) R2-D2. As usual, he pulls everybody's fat out of the fire.Now, the bad:1) The acting. Ugh! Awful. It looks as if everybody learned their lines five minutes before they went in front of the camera. Natalie Portman is especially bad here. Sorry, but it's true. Her acting is horrible.2) Yoda. While it's great to see the old Jedi Master again, he doesn't look like the Yoda we remember. He looks...well, I'm not sure. But does have fat lips. And a strange head.3) The story. As stated earlier, it's too confusing and many times just makes no sense. Why would the Trade Federation blockade Naboo of all planets. And why would the senate condone it? The whole story just seemed forced.4) Anakin. Boy, is he annoying.5) Jar Jar Binks. He's the worst one of them all. He's a very stupid, annoying and just plain dumb character. He's not funny. He adds nothing to the story. Sure, the film needed some humor, but not like this! Lucas may as well have put digital versions of the Three Stooges in here!Okay, I've been a little harsh, but I was expecting so much more from George Lucas. It was fun at times, but overall, it actually embarrassed me. Sorry, but that's the truth.

Answer: the digital characters

The vehicles, the digital characters .

Like most Star Wars fans, I literally counted down the days until this was released. Then, on opening day, I saw it. And all the magic I experienced as a kid was gone. Sure it has great visual fx, but my God! The story was horrible! The Trade Federation is blockading the planet of Naboo? Huh?! What the hell does that mean? How many kids are going to understand that? At least in the original trilogy the story was easy to comprehend. An evil empire. A big, bad Death Star that can destroy entire planets. A princess that needs rescuing. It was simple, but it worked. With this new trilogy, George Lucas seemed to think that computer fx was all he needed to make a great movie. The story, obviously was secondary. As was the acting. I swear, there were times I literally cringed when certain dialogue was spoken. Ok, enough of that. It did have a few good things to offer us "old fans", but not enough to give this even a 3 star rating. Here is where I think the film succeeded and where it failed. The good:1) The visual fx. Wow. The film sure looks good. <hl> The vehicles, the digital characters . <hl> It sure makes the fx in the first trilogy look antique.2) The pod race. Holy crap! The was ten times more exciting than the speeder bike race in "Return of the Jedi".3) Darth Maul. Need I say more?4) The lightsaber battles. Finally we get to see what the Jedi (and the Sith) are really capable of.5) The origin of C-3PO. So, Vader/Anakin made him huh? Cool!6) R2-D2. As usual, he pulls everybody's fat out of the fire. Now, the bad:1) The acting. Ugh! Awful. It looks as if everybody learned their lines five minutes before they went in front of the camera. Natalie Portman is especially bad here. Sorry, but it's true. Her acting is horrible.2) Yoda. While it's great to see the old Jedi Master again, he doesn't look like the Yoda we remember. He looks... well, I'm not sure. But does have fat lips. And a strange head.3) The story. As stated earlier, it's too confusing and many times just makes no sense. Why would the Trade Federation blockade Naboo of all planets. And why would the senate condone it? The whole story just seemed forced.4) Anakin. Boy, is he annoying.5) Jar Jar Binks. He's the worst one of them all. He's a very stupid, annoying and just plain dumb character. He's not funny. He adds nothing to the story. Sure, the film needed some humor, but not like this! Lucas may as well have put digital versions of the Three Stooges in here!Okay, I've been a little harsh, but I was expecting so much more from George Lucas. It was fun at times, but overall, it actually embarrassed me. Sorry, but that's the truth.

Like most Star Wars fans, I literally counted down the days until this was released. Then, on opening day, I saw it. And all the magic I experienced as a kid was gone. Sure it has great visual fx, but my God! The story was horrible! The Trade Federation is blockading the planet of Naboo? Huh?! What the hell does that mean? How many kids are going to understand that? At least in the original trilogy the story was easy to comprehend. An evil empire. A big, bad Death Star that can destroy entire planets. A princess that needs rescuing. It was simple, but it worked. With this new trilogy, George Lucas seemed to think that computer fx was all he needed to make a great movie. The story, obviously was secondary. As was the acting. I swear, there were times I literally cringed when certain dialogue was spoken. Ok, enough of that. It did have a few good things to offer us "old fans", but not enough to give this even a 3 star rating. Here is where I think the film succeeded and where it failed.The good:1) The visual fx. Wow. The film sure looks good. The vehicles, <hl> the digital characters <hl>. It sure makes the fx in the first trilogy look antique.2) The pod race. Holy crap! The was ten times more exciting than the speeder bike race in "Return of the Jedi".3) Darth Maul. Need I say more?4) The lightsaber battles. Finally we get to see what the Jedi (and the Sith) are really capable of.5) The origin of C-3PO. So, Vader/Anakin made him huh? Cool!6) R2-D2. As usual, he pulls everybody's fat out of the fire.Now, the bad:1) The acting. Ugh! Awful. It looks as if everybody learned their lines five minutes before they went in front of the camera. Natalie Portman is especially bad here. Sorry, but it's true. Her acting is horrible.2) Yoda. While it's great to see the old Jedi Master again, he doesn't look like the Yoda we remember. He looks...well, I'm not sure. But does have fat lips. And a strange head.3) The story. As stated earlier, it's too confusing and many times just makes no sense. Why would the Trade Federation blockade Naboo of all planets. And why would the senate condone it? The whole story just seemed forced.4) Anakin. Boy, is he annoying.5) Jar Jar Binks. He's the worst one of them all. He's a very stupid, annoying and just plain dumb character. He's not funny. He adds nothing to the story. Sure, the film needed some humor, but not like this! Lucas may as well have put digital versions of the Three Stooges in here!Okay, I've been a little harsh, but I was expecting so much more from George Lucas. It was fun at times, but overall, it actually embarrassed me. Sorry, but that's the truth.

The vehicles, <hl> the digital characters <hl> .


Question: Do you know Maria's story?

Elysium, is a fantastic movie.  And Matt Damon shines throughout.  The story is truly unique, and (trying not to give any spoilers here) should capture right from the beginning.  I highly recommend Elysium, and not just for Matt Damon fans.  Also, even if you don't care for Matt Damon, this movie should still get your respect.

Answer: I highly recommend Elysium

Elysium, is a fantastic movie. And Matt Damon shines throughout. The story is truly unique, and (trying not to give any spoilers here) should capture right from the beginning. <hl> I highly recommend Elysium , and not just for Matt Damon fans. <hl> Also, even if you don't care for Matt Damon, this movie should still get your respect.

Elysium, is a fantastic movie. And Matt Damon shines throughout. The story is truly unique, and (trying not to give any spoilers here) should capture right from the beginning. <hl> I highly recommend Elysium <hl>, and not just for Matt Damon fans. Also, even if you don't care for Matt Damon, this movie should still get your respect.

<hl> I highly recommend Elysium <hl> , and not just for Matt Damon fans.


Question: How are film?

I spent the first 15 minutes of this movie wondering what the heck I was looking at. Then I realized that despite it's quirkiness & the fact that it isn't like anything else I've watched, I was enjoying myself.Sure Napoleon is the nerd other nerds avoid, but it certainly doesn't hold him back from doing his own thing without shame. Even the bad kids in this movie are not the traditionally vile little creeps we have come to expect from Highschool comedies.This movie is mostly noticible for what it lacks: Sex, profanity and cynical mean-spiritedness. The laughs are honest and the movie has a surpisingly satisfying ending when considering that the cast of characters are unapologetic "losers". This movie is difficult to predict for first-time viewers since it intentionally gives the reverse outcome to every scenario that we commonly experince in the movies. Kind of a "revenge of the Nerds" without the crushing humilation.Enjoyable & highly recomended.

Answer: I spent the first 15 minutes of this movie wondering what the heck I was looking at

<hl> I spent the first 15 minutes of this movie wondering what the heck I was looking at . <hl> Then I realized that despite it's quirkiness & the fact that it isn't like anything else I've watched, I was enjoying myself. Sure Napoleon is the nerd other nerds avoid, but it certainly doesn't hold him back from doing his own thing without shame. Even the bad kids in this movie are not the traditionally vile little creeps we have come to expect from Highschool comedies. This movie is mostly noticible for what it lacks: Sex, profanity and cynical mean-spiritedness. The laughs are honest and the movie has a surpisingly satisfying ending when considering that the cast of characters are unapologetic "losers". This movie is difficult to predict for first-time viewers since it intentionally gives the reverse outcome to every scenario that we commonly experince in the movies. Kind of a "revenge of the Nerds" without the crushing humilation. Enjoyable & highly recomended.

<hl> I spent the first 15 minutes of this movie wondering what the heck I was looking at <hl>. Then I realized that despite it's quirkiness & the fact that it isn't like anything else I've watched, I was enjoying myself.Sure Napoleon is the nerd other nerds avoid, but it certainly doesn't hold him back from doing his own thing without shame. Even the bad kids in this movie are not the traditionally vile little creeps we have come to expect from Highschool comedies.This movie is mostly noticible for what it lacks: Sex, profanity and cynical mean-spiritedness. The laughs are honest and the movie has a surpisingly satisfying ending when considering that the cast of characters are unapologetic "losers". This movie is difficult to predict for first-time viewers since it intentionally gives the reverse outcome to every scenario that we commonly experince in the movies. Kind of a "revenge of the Nerds" without the crushing humilation.Enjoyable & highly recomended.

<hl> I spent the first 15 minutes of this movie wondering what the heck I was looking at <hl> .


Question: How is the quality of the film?

I've been watching Blu-Ray films on my PS3 for several years now, and I figure I have a pretty good eye for quality transfers.  This is one.  The initial few scenes are a bit grainy, but I think it was due to the limitations of shooting from a portable camera from a helicopter in 1959.  I'll forgive the grain.  But once the scenes move to the amazing expanses of the Austrian countryside I was blown away.  The clarity is phenomenal.  Even sparkles on the water were vivid.  Plus, the sound is amazing as well.  Bravo on the Blu-Ray.Of note:  this set apparently did not generate as much interest initially so the price has dropped.  I picked it up in the gold box for $18.99.  I have noted the contents and whether they are worthy:4 disc collection: film on Blu-Ray with some features (including a sing along version!), another Blu-Ray of special features, the DVD film version, and a CD soundtrack.The music box plays "My Favorite Things" but it plays a bit fast.  It is small-ish, maybe 3" x 2" x 2" or so.  But it has space for some rings or a locket or some other 'favorite thing'.  It says hand painted, but it looks like it was painted from a stencil.  It is a stoneware style, so that is nice.The two books are the great additions to the set.  They have a special feature book (soft cover) and then a production bio (hardcover).The last things are a certificate of authenticity and some post cards.The entire set comes in a stiff cardboard box with a cardboard sleeve around it.  You can remove the sleeve (which has a couple of small pictures showing the contents) and the inner box is clean and looks like the picture.All in all a great set for fans of the film.  For under $20 it is one of the best finds I stumbled across this holiday season.  Even at $30 it is worthy.  If you don't care for the extras, there is a Blu-Ray special edition that is basically the movie with the 3 discs (not including soundtrack):The Sound of Music (Three-Disc 45th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging).  I recommend the boxed set for fans or as a gift, but the other version is great for those who just want to enjoy the film.One of the truly remarkable films on Blu-Ray to this date.  Simply marvelous, epic, and breathtaking.  Now I'm buying Lawrence of Arabia next!

Answer: The clarity is phenomenal.  Even sparkles on the water were vivid

I've been watching Blu-Ray films on my PS3 for several years now, and I figure I have a pretty good eye for quality transfers. This is one. The initial few scenes are a bit grainy, but I think it was due to the limitations of shooting from a portable camera from a helicopter in 1959. I'll forgive the grain. But once the scenes move to the amazing expanses of the Austrian countryside I was blown away. <hl> The clarity is phenomenal. Even sparkles on the water were vivid . <hl> Plus, the sound is amazing as well. Bravo on the Blu-Ray. Of note: this set apparently did not generate as much interest initially so the price has dropped. I picked it up in the gold box for $18.99. I have noted the contents and whether they are worthy:4 disc collection: film on Blu-Ray with some features (including a sing along version!), another Blu-Ray of special features, the DVD film version, and a CD soundtrack. The music box plays "My Favorite Things" but it plays a bit fast. It is small-ish, maybe 3" x 2" x 2" or so. But it has space for some rings or a locket or some other 'favorite thing'. It says hand painted, but it looks like it was painted from a stencil. It is a stoneware style, so that is nice. The two books are the great additions to the set. They have a special feature book (soft cover) and then a production bio (hardcover).The last things are a certificate of authenticity and some post cards. The entire set comes in a stiff cardboard box with a cardboard sleeve around it. You can remove the sleeve (which has a couple of small pictures showing the contents) and the inner box is clean and looks like the picture. All in all a great set for fans of the film. For under $20 it is one of the best finds I stumbled across this holiday season. Even at $30 it is worthy. If you don't care for the extras, there is a Blu-Ray special edition that is basically the movie with the 3 discs (not including soundtrack):The Sound of Music (Three-Disc 45th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging). I recommend the boxed set for fans or as a gift, but the other version is great for those who just want to enjoy the film. One of the truly remarkable films on Blu-Ray to this date. Simply marvelous, epic, and breathtaking. Now I'm buying Lawrence of Arabia next!

I've been watching Blu-Ray films on my PS3 for several years now, and I figure I have a pretty good eye for quality transfers. This is one. The initial few scenes are a bit grainy, but I think it was due to the limitations of shooting from a portable camera from a helicopter in 1959. I'll forgive the grain. But once the scenes move to the amazing expanses of the Austrian countryside I was blown away. <hl> The clarity is phenomenal. Even sparkles on the water were vivid <hl>. Plus, the sound is amazing as well. Bravo on the Blu-Ray.Of note: this set apparently did not generate as much interest initially so the price has dropped. I picked it up in the gold box for $18.99. I have noted the contents and whether they are worthy:4 disc collection: film on Blu-Ray with some features (including a sing along version!), another Blu-Ray of special features, the DVD film version, and a CD soundtrack.The music box plays "My Favorite Things" but it plays a bit fast. It is small-ish, maybe 3" x 2" x 2" or so. But it has space for some rings or a locket or some other 'favorite thing'. It says hand painted, but it looks like it was painted from a stencil. It is a stoneware style, so that is nice.The two books are the great additions to the set. They have a special feature book (soft cover) and then a production bio (hardcover).The last things are a certificate of authenticity and some post cards.The entire set comes in a stiff cardboard box with a cardboard sleeve around it. You can remove the sleeve (which has a couple of small pictures showing the contents) and the inner box is clean and looks like the picture.All in all a great set for fans of the film. For under $20 it is one of the best finds I stumbled across this holiday season. Even at $30 it is worthy. If you don't care for the extras, there is a Blu-Ray special edition that is basically the movie with the 3 discs (not including soundtrack):The Sound of Music (Three-Disc 45th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging). I recommend the boxed set for fans or as a gift, but the other version is great for those who just want to enjoy the film.One of the truly remarkable films on Blu-Ray to this date. Simply marvelous, epic, and breathtaking. Now I'm buying Lawrence of Arabia next!

<hl> The clarity is phenomenal. Even sparkles on the water were vivid <hl> .


Question: Does it have a single feature?

well wasn't I disapointed when I went to the video store last October to find that one of my favorite movies wasn't going to be released on VHS for another 3 months!  I couldn't wait 3 months!  I wanted it now!  So what to  do?  Buy a DVD player of course, and man I can't look back now!  This movie  proved to me how great genre flicks like this can be on DVD.  The sound is  amazing, and the video is great.  There is no way I could watch this movie  in full-frame after seeing all those Kung-Fu sequences in widescreen!  How  could I have ever been stupid enough to think full-frame was better?  And  then I found all the cool extra stuff you could do with this DVD.  Best  money I ever spent!  Completely changed the way I watch movies, it will for  you too!

Answer: The sound is  amazing,

well wasn't I disapointed when I went to the video store last October to find that one of my favorite movies wasn't going to be released on VHS for another 3 months! I couldn't wait 3 months! I wanted it now! So what to do? Buy a DVD player of course, and man I can't look back now! This movie proved to me how great genre flicks like this can be on DVD. <hl> The sound is amazing, and the video is great. <hl> There is no way I could watch this movie in full-frame after seeing all those Kung-Fu sequences in widescreen! How could I have ever been stupid enough to think full-frame was better? And then I found all the cool extra stuff you could do with this DVD. Best money I ever spent! Completely changed the way I watch movies, it will for you too!

well wasn't I disapointed when I went to the video store last October to find that one of my favorite movies wasn't going to be released on VHS for another 3 months! I couldn't wait 3 months! I wanted it now! So what to do? Buy a DVD player of course, and man I can't look back now! This movie proved to me how great genre flicks like this can be on DVD. <hl> The sound is amazing, <hl> and the video is great. There is no way I could watch this movie in full-frame after seeing all those Kung-Fu sequences in widescreen! How could I have ever been stupid enough to think full-frame was better? And then I found all the cool extra stuff you could do with this DVD. Best money I ever spent! Completely changed the way I watch movies, it will for you too!


Question: What is the quality of the movie?

I'd forgotten what an enjoyable film this is.  Nothing to deep or complicated here, just a fun high school romp.  John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John help make this the classic it is.I think this is definitely worth getting in Blu-ray.  The menu was extremely well done and easy to navigate.  The transfer is stunning, sharp and clear with excellent black levels and colors that pop without being over saturated ... and the sound was as good as it gets, giving the songs all the fullness they deserve.This would be a good way to show off your new HDTV!

Answer: think this is definitely worth getting in Blu-ray

I'd forgotten what an enjoyable film this is. Nothing to deep or complicated here, just a fun high school romp. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John help make this the classic it is. <hl> I think this is definitely worth getting in Blu-ray . <hl> The menu was extremely well done and easy to navigate. The transfer is stunning, sharp and clear with excellent black levels and colors that pop without being over saturated ... and the sound was as good as it gets, giving the songs all the fullness they deserve. This would be a good way to show off your new HDTV!

I'd forgotten what an enjoyable film this is. Nothing to deep or complicated here, just a fun high school romp. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John help make this the classic it is.I <hl> think this is definitely worth getting in Blu-ray <hl>. The menu was extremely well done and easy to navigate. The transfer is stunning, sharp and clear with excellent black levels and colors that pop without being over saturated ... and the sound was as good as it gets, giving the songs all the fullness they deserve.This would be a good way to show off your new HDTV!

I <hl> think this is definitely worth getting in Blu-ray <hl> .


Question: Does the video gives entertainment?

If you've traveled to Scotland and you love authenticity in Hollywood then this is a great film to buy with the extras!  First, the accents are authentic (how often does that happen in Hollywood?).  Second, the colors and graphics are beautiful.  Third, the first Disney princess who doesn't sing?  Clearly this is a landmark film and a must have.  Plus, it's entertaining!

Answer: Plus, it's entertaining

Plus, it's entertaining !

If you've traveled to Scotland and you love authenticity in Hollywood then this is a great film to buy with the extras! First, the accents are authentic (how often does that happen in Hollywood?). Second, the colors and graphics are beautiful. Third, the first Disney princess who doesn't sing? Clearly this is a landmark film and a must have. <hl> Plus, it's entertaining ! <hl>

If you've traveled to Scotland and you love authenticity in Hollywood then this is a great film to buy with the extras! First, the accents are authentic (how often does that happen in Hollywood?). Second, the colors and graphics are beautiful. Third, the first Disney princess who doesn't sing? Clearly this is a landmark film and a must have. <hl> Plus, it's entertaining <hl>!


Question: How did you like the anaconda movie?

I was kinda hoping for a Shayamalan comeback (as far as I am concerned, Signs was his last decent work, though I have personal conjectures as to why that are perhaps wishful thinking in being kind to him about that.)  This movie... was better than some of his, and I did appreciate some attention to detail... the way the ship was made, and parts of it operated kept my attention... but the plot of the movie itself was very narrow and linear... and didn't really offer any surprises... or anticipation for what you thought might be coming, either.  It felt as if it had already happened, 20 minutes in, and one spent the rest of the movie waiting for the inevitabilities to catch up with you.  I'm also, I have to say, getting a bit weary of the automatic 'evil = ugly = evil' equation and irretrievable and singleminded adversaries thing.  Just once, I want to be surprised to find out that the massive, ugly, terrifying creature is the good guy and that humans are not always the hapless victim.

Answer: the plot of the movie itself was very narrow and linear... and didn't really offer any surprises

I was kinda hoping for a Shayamalan comeback (as far as I am concerned, Signs was his last decent work, though I have personal conjectures as to why that are perhaps wishful thinking in being kind to him about that.) This movie... was better than some of his, and I did appreciate some attention to detail... the way the ship was made, and parts of it operated kept my attention... <hl> but the plot of the movie itself was very narrow and linear... and didn't really offer any surprises ... or anticipation for what you thought might be coming, either. <hl> It felt as if it had already happened, 20 minutes in, and one spent the rest of the movie waiting for the inevitabilities to catch up with you. I'm also, I have to say, getting a bit weary of the automatic 'evil = ugly = evil' equation and irretrievable and singleminded adversaries thing. Just once, I want to be surprised to find out that the massive, ugly, terrifying creature is the good guy and that humans are not always the hapless victim.

I was kinda hoping for a Shayamalan comeback (as far as I am concerned, Signs was his last decent work, though I have personal conjectures as to why that are perhaps wishful thinking in being kind to him about that.) This movie... was better than some of his, and I did appreciate some attention to detail... the way the ship was made, and parts of it operated kept my attention... but <hl> the plot of the movie itself was very narrow and linear... and didn't really offer any surprises <hl>... or anticipation for what you thought might be coming, either. It felt as if it had already happened, 20 minutes in, and one spent the rest of the movie waiting for the inevitabilities to catch up with you. I'm also, I have to say, getting a bit weary of the automatic 'evil = ugly = evil' equation and irretrievable and singleminded adversaries thing. Just once, I want to be surprised to find out that the massive, ugly, terrifying creature is the good guy and that humans are not always the hapless victim.

but <hl> the plot of the movie itself was very narrow and linear... and didn't really offer any surprises <hl> ... or anticipation for what you thought might be coming, either.


Question: How real is the movie?

This movie wouldn't have been bad if it were an hour and a half long. Almost 3 hours is ridiculous and pretentious. This isn't an assignment, there was no need or requirement to make this 3 hours long, especially when there was no point to doing so. I think it was much better than the past Lord of the Ring movies, but at a certain point, you could tell that all the actors were exhausted and the movie began to lose focus. If I had one wish, it would be for the next movies to come in under 2 hours long. Almost 3 hours without a point is just pushing it. The LOTR movies suffer from the same problem as the Harry Potter films. There is absolutely no point to making them ridiculously long. The audience doesn't benefit, it is more work for the film makers, and theaters can't turn over showings as often. Furthermore, casual fans will simply not bother. A great movie with a great plot can be 3 hours long. This shouldn't be. It has no business being so. In the editing process, a director should see that a film is dragging and start cutting scenes. Peter Jackson is NOT a bad film maker. I've seen his other films, which were fantastic. I have no idea why with LOTR, he is fixated with lengthening the time out?Hopefully, this will change after the somewhat lackluster reviews of the last film, but it's doubtful. I think critics and audiences just figured out what I noticed about the first film, which I walked out of.

Answer: you could tell that all the actors were exhausted and the movie began to lose focus

This movie wouldn't have been bad if it were an hour and a half long. Almost 3 hours is ridiculous and pretentious. This isn't an assignment, there was no need or requirement to make this 3 hours long, especially when there was no point to doing so. <hl> I think it was much better than the past Lord of the Ring movies, but at a certain point, you could tell that all the actors were exhausted and the movie began to lose focus . <hl> If I had one wish, it would be for the next movies to come in under 2 hours long. Almost 3 hours without a point is just pushing it. The LOTR movies suffer from the same problem as the Harry Potter films. There is absolutely no point to making them ridiculously long. The audience doesn't benefit, it is more work for the film makers, and theaters can't turn over showings as often. Furthermore, casual fans will simply not bother. A great movie with a great plot can be 3 hours long. This shouldn't be. It has no business being so. In the editing process, a director should see that a film is dragging and start cutting scenes. Peter Jackson is NOT a bad film maker. I've seen his other films, which were fantastic. I have no idea why with LOTR, he is fixated with lengthening the time out?Hopefully, this will change after the somewhat lackluster reviews of the last film, but it's doubtful. I think critics and audiences just figured out what I noticed about the first film, which I walked out of.

This movie wouldn't have been bad if it were an hour and a half long. Almost 3 hours is ridiculous and pretentious. This isn't an assignment, there was no need or requirement to make this 3 hours long, especially when there was no point to doing so. I think it was much better than the past Lord of the Ring movies, but at a certain point, <hl> you could tell that all the actors were exhausted and the movie began to lose focus <hl>. If I had one wish, it would be for the next movies to come in under 2 hours long. Almost 3 hours without a point is just pushing it. The LOTR movies suffer from the same problem as the Harry Potter films. There is absolutely no point to making them ridiculously long. The audience doesn't benefit, it is more work for the film makers, and theaters can't turn over showings as often. Furthermore, casual fans will simply not bother. A great movie with a great plot can be 3 hours long. This shouldn't be. It has no business being so. In the editing process, a director should see that a film is dragging and start cutting scenes. Peter Jackson is NOT a bad film maker. I've seen his other films, which were fantastic. I have no idea why with LOTR, he is fixated with lengthening the time out?Hopefully, this will change after the somewhat lackluster reviews of the last film, but it's doubtful. I think critics and audiences just figured out what I noticed about the first film, which I walked out of.

I think it was much better than the past Lord of the Ring movies, but at a certain point, <hl> you could tell that all the actors were exhausted and the movie began to lose focus <hl> .


Question: How was the direct?

"Man Of Steel" is excellent! This is how the story goes: A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.The cast led by Henry Cavill (as Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman), Amy Adams (as Lois Lane), Michael Shannon (as General Zod), Kevin Costner (as Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (as Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (as Perry White) & Russell Crowe (as Jor-El) is excellent. The directing by Zack Snyder is excellent. The story (based on the comic books created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster) by David S. Goyer (also did the screenplay) & Christopher Nolan (who also produced), the screenplay by Goyer is excellent.The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent. The cinematography by Amir Mokri is excellent. The film editing by David Brenner is excellent. The casting by Kristy Carlson & Lora Kennedy is excellent. The production design by Alex McDowell is excellent. The art direction by Chris Farmer & Kim Sinclair is excellent. The set decoration by Anne Kuljian, set dressings by Paul Allen, Danial A. Miller Jr., Guy Roland, David Soukup & Patrick Kearns, set designs by Stevo Bedford, Mike Barton, Aric Cheng, David Clarke, Scott Herbertson, David W. Krummel, Tammy S. Lee, Thomas Machan, David Moreau, Sarah Nolan, Margot Ready, Kerry Sanders & Bryan Sutton is excellent. The costume design by James Acheson & Michael Wilkinson is excellent. The special effects supervised by Allen Hall & Scott Kodrik, coordinated by Joel Whist & John D. Milinac is excellent. The visual effects supervised by David Wallace Allen, John 'D.J.' Des Jardin, Joe Letteri, Keith Miller, Guillaume Rocheron, Chad Wiebe & Ged Wright, coordinated by Valdone Cerniute, Ana Marie Cruz, Isabelle Fleck, Jack George, Sofus Graae, James Greig, Rachel Faith Hanson, Danny Huerta, Ashley Irving-Scott, Zafar Janjua, Woojo Jeon, Abigail Mendoza, Sarah Middleton, Sara Moore, Marlene Nehls, Max Rees & Rebecca Scott is excellent. The stunts coordinated by Damon Caro & fights coordinated by Ryan Watson is excellent.This is an excellent and well-done, well-made reboot of the Superman saga that is entertaining and impressive. This is also an impressive film, visually and thematically. Zack Snyder has directed an excellent film, which is possibly his best film of his career, thus far. Christopher Nolan has also done an excellent job in helping revive the Superman saga. Henry Cavill is an excellent Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El & Amy Adams is an excellent Lois Lane, with an excellent cast backing them up. This is one of the best movies of the summer season and of the year.

Answer: The directing by Zack Snyder is excellent. The story (based on the comic books created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster) by David S. Goyer (also did the screenplay) & Christopher Nolan (who also produced), the screenplay by Goyer is excellent.The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent. The cinematography by Amir Mokri is excellent. The film editing by David Brenner is excellent. The casting by Kristy Carlson & Lora Kennedy is excellent. The production design by Alex McDowell is excellent. The art direction by Chris Farmer & Kim Sinclair is excellent

"Man Of Steel" is excellent! This is how the story goes: A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. The cast led by Henry Cavill (as Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman), Amy Adams (as Lois Lane), Michael Shannon (as General Zod), Kevin Costner (as Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (as Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (as Perry White) & Russell Crowe (as Jor-El) is excellent. <hl> The directing by Zack Snyder is excellent. The story (based on the comic books created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster) by David S. Goyer (also did the screenplay) & Christopher Nolan (who also produced), the screenplay by Goyer is excellent.The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent. The cinematography by Amir Mokri is excellent. The film editing by David Brenner is excellent. The casting by Kristy Carlson & Lora Kennedy is excellent. The production design by Alex McDowell is excellent. The art direction by Chris Farmer & Kim Sinclair is excellent . <hl> The set decoration by Anne Kuljian, set dressings by Paul Allen, Danial A. Miller Jr., Guy Roland, David Soukup & Patrick Kearns, set designs by Stevo Bedford, Mike Barton, Aric Cheng, David Clarke, Scott Herbertson, David W. Krummel, Tammy S. Lee, Thomas Machan, David Moreau, Sarah Nolan, Margot Ready, Kerry Sanders & Bryan Sutton is excellent. The costume design by James Acheson & Michael Wilkinson is excellent. The special effects supervised by Allen Hall & Scott Kodrik, coordinated by Joel Whist & John D. Milinac is excellent. The visual effects supervised by David Wallace Allen, John 'D.J.' Des Jardin, Joe Letteri, Keith Miller, Guillaume Rocheron, Chad Wiebe & Ged Wright, coordinated by Valdone Cerniute, Ana Marie Cruz, Isabelle Fleck, Jack George, Sofus Graae, James Greig, Rachel Faith Hanson, Danny Huerta, Ashley Irving-Scott, Zafar Janjua, Woojo Jeon, Abigail Mendoza, Sarah Middleton, Sara Moore, Marlene Nehls, Max Rees & Rebecca Scott is excellent. The stunts coordinated by Damon Caro & fights coordinated by Ryan Watson is excellent. This is an excellent and well-done, well-made reboot of the Superman saga that is entertaining and impressive. This is also an impressive film, visually and thematically. Zack Snyder has directed an excellent film, which is possibly his best film of his career, thus far. Christopher Nolan has also done an excellent job in helping revive the Superman saga. Henry Cavill is an excellent Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El & Amy Adams is an excellent Lois Lane, with an excellent cast backing them up. This is one of the best movies of the summer season and of the year.

"Man Of Steel" is excellent! This is how the story goes: A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.The cast led by Henry Cavill (as Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman), Amy Adams (as Lois Lane), Michael Shannon (as General Zod), Kevin Costner (as Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (as Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (as Perry White) & Russell Crowe (as Jor-El) is excellent. <hl> The directing by Zack Snyder is excellent. The story (based on the comic books created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster) by David S. Goyer (also did the screenplay) & Christopher Nolan (who also produced), the screenplay by Goyer is excellent.The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent. The cinematography by Amir Mokri is excellent. The film editing by David Brenner is excellent. The casting by Kristy Carlson & Lora Kennedy is excellent. The production design by Alex McDowell is excellent. The art direction by Chris Farmer & Kim Sinclair is excellent <hl>. The set decoration by Anne Kuljian, set dressings by Paul Allen, Danial A. Miller Jr., Guy Roland, David Soukup & Patrick Kearns, set designs by Stevo Bedford, Mike Barton, Aric Cheng, David Clarke, Scott Herbertson, David W. Krummel, Tammy S. Lee, Thomas Machan, David Moreau, Sarah Nolan, Margot Ready, Kerry Sanders & Bryan Sutton is excellent. The costume design by James Acheson & Michael Wilkinson is excellent. The special effects supervised by Allen Hall & Scott Kodrik, coordinated by Joel Whist & John D. Milinac is excellent. The visual effects supervised by David Wallace Allen, John 'D.J.' Des Jardin, Joe Letteri, Keith Miller, Guillaume Rocheron, Chad Wiebe & Ged Wright, coordinated by Valdone Cerniute, Ana Marie Cruz, Isabelle Fleck, Jack George, Sofus Graae, James Greig, Rachel Faith Hanson, Danny Huerta, Ashley Irving-Scott, Zafar Janjua, Woojo Jeon, Abigail Mendoza, Sarah Middleton, Sara Moore, Marlene Nehls, Max Rees & Rebecca Scott is excellent. The stunts coordinated by Damon Caro & fights coordinated by Ryan Watson is excellent.This is an excellent and well-done, well-made reboot of the Superman saga that is entertaining and impressive. This is also an impressive film, visually and thematically. Zack Snyder has directed an excellent film, which is possibly his best film of his career, thus far. Christopher Nolan has also done an excellent job in helping revive the Superman saga. Henry Cavill is an excellent Superman / Clark Kent / Kal-El & Amy Adams is an excellent Lois Lane, with an excellent cast backing them up. This is one of the best movies of the summer season and of the year.

<hl> The directing by Zack Snyder is excellent. The story (based on the comic books created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster) by David S. Goyer (also did the screenplay) & Christopher Nolan (who also produced), the screenplay by Goyer is excellent.The music by Hans Zimmer is excellent. The cinematography by Amir Mokri is excellent. The film editing by David Brenner is excellent. The casting by Kristy Carlson & Lora Kennedy is excellent. The production design by Alex McDowell is excellent. The art direction by Chris Farmer & Kim Sinclair is excellent <hl> .


Question: Is this plot original?

Firefly is like no other television program.  Only lasting one year, with episodes randomly thrown on strange nights on FOX, this series boasted a classic combination of science fiction with a western flair.  How could it go wrong?  A humorous program that had fun, fought bad guys, and harbored extremely dark secrets.  Why did it only last one season?  Marketing.  FOX, as we all can learn from my review of Outfoxed, is not quite the "fair and balanced" type of programming that it promotes, but instead attaches itself to the hottest trend and pushes it nearly to the point of sickness.  For those that would disagree, I ask you to check out how many predictable seasons of American Idol we will have to endure until someone realizes that it lost its steam a many a moon ago.  Or how about the disaster of a series called Wife Swap?  Honestly, did FOX just ignore the idea of creativity and push directly for insulting "reality" television?  From what I see on television today, I could only assume the answer to be "yes".  Firefly was a bold, unique, and highly original series that gave us powerful characters, detailed stories, and that Lost itch in the back of your mind that keeps you asking that age old question, "why".  Yet, in all of its power, it was cancelled.Firefly is perfection on a stick.  The twang of the guitar, the stone-face stare of Mal, the goofiness of Jayne (is that a girls name?), the questionable past of Shepard Book, the humor of Wash, the power of Zoe, and the innocence of Kaylee is exactly why I fell in love with this show.  This is honestly, one of the few series that I could go back from the beginning and watch again, loving every moment of it.  Whedon created a masterpiece in my eyes, and a huge opportunity was missed by several major networks to keep this imagination alive.While some will argue that Firefly was full of nothing more than C-rated actors who were "shallow cut-outs, and whose dialogue never rises above the level of a so-so sitcom", I thought that they brought so much personality and charisma to a smorgasbord of unoriginal programming. I wanted to know the truth behind River and the darkness behind the good Shepard.  I continually waited for a snappy comeback from Mal, and was excited whenever he showed humility.  Jayne was a big favorite of mine, always questioning authority, yet as loyal as the family dog.  The love between Zoe and Wash brought a new layer of honesty to this sci-fi series.  It wasn't just about paying for the ship, flying through unmapped terrain, or stealing, it was about humanity.  That sense of humanity could be found in the opening episode for this series aptly titled "Serenity".  In it, the crew takes upon some passengers with some rather unknown cargo.  Inside one of those crates is a girl that will change their lives forever.  For this series to work successfully, as it did, we needed human characters that bled, felt compassion, and demonstrated connectiveness to each of us.  Mal's ship, Serenity, was a living example of how television could be done creatively and originally.The characters could only be as strong as the words that were handed to them.  Listening to the words that pass through Mal's mouth, the charm of Wash, or even the inconsistent ramblings of River, you could only wonder where Whedon could have gone with all of them.  In each of these characters, Whedon had written secrets.  While, sadly, we may never know what they all were, that is what made you itch for more episodes.  You not only wanted to see the creative "western" adventures that Whedon was sending his crew, but you also wanted to learn more about these band of renegades.  They were good, but possibly darkness reigned inside of them.  The character most guilty of this (outside of River) was Shepard Book.  I loved this character.  Whedon drew him with so much passion and conviction, yet with every episode you learned more about this man than imaginable.  He is an excellent example of what this series was like.  He represented the smart words of Whedon, the humanity of his character, and the secrets that each of these shared.  He was a "priest", yet he knew more about the Alliance than anyone aboard that ship.  If anyone were to ask me to describe the series in two words, I would simply say, "Shepard Book".George Lucas is credited with creating this detailed futuristic world that gives us glimpses of a possible future, or a galaxy far far away, Whedon succeeded in this series by giving us a plausible future in the not-too-distant future of 500 years.  Prostitution in legal, in fact respected in the community, the Chinese and Americans have forged one super power called the Alliance, and our hero is a war veteran, still not shaken by the loss that his side took due to the Alliance control.  While Lucas gives us far-fetched characters and situations, Whedon gives us a imaginative look at our future.  I think that is why this series worked so well for me.  I could imagine this future.  I could see it past the characters.  I wasn't bogged down by dopey looking aliens, but instead a plausible man vs. man situation.  Firefly was simple, yet so complex.I could honestly go on forever about how much I enjoyed this show.  I have never watched a series where I found myself prepared to watch over and over again. Firefly blends a power mixture of comedy, western, and action all together ... and the characters bleed.  Villains die in this series.  How often do you see that?  If you have not watched this series, or have not spent the money to support it, DO IT RIGHT NOW!Grade: (proudly) ***** out of *****

Answer: was a bold, unique, and highly original series

Firefly is like no other television program. Only lasting one year, with episodes randomly thrown on strange nights on FOX, this series boasted a classic combination of science fiction with a western flair. How could it go wrong? A humorous program that had fun, fought bad guys, and harbored extremely dark secrets. Why did it only last one season? Marketing. FOX, as we all can learn from my review of Outfoxed, is not quite the "fair and balanced" type of programming that it promotes, but instead attaches itself to the hottest trend and pushes it nearly to the point of sickness. For those that would disagree, I ask you to check out how many predictable seasons of American Idol we will have to endure until someone realizes that it lost its steam a many a moon ago. Or how about the disaster of a series called Wife Swap? Honestly, did FOX just ignore the idea of creativity and push directly for insulting "reality" television? From what I see on television today, I could only assume the answer to be "yes". <hl> Firefly was a bold, unique, and highly original series that gave us powerful characters, detailed stories, and that Lost itch in the back of your mind that keeps you asking that age old question, " <hl> why". Yet, in all of its power, it was cancelled. Firefly is perfection on a stick. The twang of the guitar, the stone-face stare of Mal, the goofiness of Jayne (is that a girls name?), the questionable past of Shepard Book, the humor of Wash, the power of Zoe, and the innocence of Kaylee is exactly why I fell in love with this show. This is honestly, one of the few series that I could go back from the beginning and watch again, loving every moment of it. Whedon created a masterpiece in my eyes, and a huge opportunity was missed by several major networks to keep this imagination alive. While some will argue that Firefly was full of nothing more than C-rated actors who were "shallow cut-outs, and whose dialogue never rises above the level of a so-so sitcom", I thought that they brought so much personality and charisma to a smorgasbord of unoriginal programming. I wanted to know the truth behind River and the darkness behind the good Shepard. I continually waited for a snappy comeback from Mal, and was excited whenever he showed humility. Jayne was a big favorite of mine, always questioning authority, yet as loyal as the family dog. The love between Zoe and Wash brought a new layer of honesty to this sci-fi series. It wasn't just about paying for the ship, flying through unmapped terrain, or stealing, it was about humanity. That sense of humanity could be found in the opening episode for this series aptly titled "Serenity". In it, the crew takes upon some passengers with some rather unknown cargo. Inside one of those crates is a girl that will change their lives forever. For this series to work successfully, as it did, we needed human characters that bled, felt compassion, and demonstrated connectiveness to each of us. Mal's ship, Serenity, was a living example of how television could be done creatively and originally. The characters could only be as strong as the words that were handed to them. Listening to the words that pass through Mal's mouth, the charm of Wash, or even the inconsistent ramblings of River, you could only wonder where Whedon could have gone with all of them. In each of these characters, Whedon had written secrets. While, sadly, we may never know what they all were, that is what made you itch for more episodes. You not only wanted to see the creative "western" adventures that Whedon was sending his crew, but you also wanted to learn more about these band of renegades. They were good, but possibly darkness reigned inside of them. The character most guilty of this (outside of River) was Shepard Book. I loved this character. Whedon drew him with so much passion and conviction, yet with every episode you learned more about this man than imaginable. He is an excellent example of what this series was like. He represented the smart words of Whedon, the humanity of his character, and the secrets that each of these shared. He was a "priest", yet he knew more about the Alliance than anyone aboard that ship. If anyone were to ask me to describe the series in two words, I would simply say, "Shepard Book". George Lucas is credited with creating this detailed futuristic world that gives us glimpses of a possible future, or a galaxy far far away, Whedon succeeded in this series by giving us a plausible future in the not-too-distant future of 500 years. Prostitution in legal, in fact respected in the community, the Chinese and Americans have forged one super power called the Alliance, and our hero is a war veteran, still not shaken by the loss that his side took due to the Alliance control. While Lucas gives us far-fetched characters and situations, Whedon gives us a imaginative look at our future. I think that is why this series worked so well for me. I could imagine this future. I could see it past the characters. I wasn't bogged down by dopey looking aliens, but instead a plausible man vs. man situation. Firefly was simple, yet so complex. I could honestly go on forever about how much I enjoyed this show. I have never watched a series where I found myself prepared to watch over and over again. Firefly blends a power mixture of comedy, western, and action all together ... and the characters bleed. Villains die in this series. How often do you see that? If you have not watched this series, or have not spent the money to support it, DO IT RIGHT NOW!Grade: (proudly) ***** out of *****

Firefly is like no other television program. Only lasting one year, with episodes randomly thrown on strange nights on FOX, this series boasted a classic combination of science fiction with a western flair. How could it go wrong? A humorous program that had fun, fought bad guys, and harbored extremely dark secrets. Why did it only last one season? Marketing. FOX, as we all can learn from my review of Outfoxed, is not quite the "fair and balanced" type of programming that it promotes, but instead attaches itself to the hottest trend and pushes it nearly to the point of sickness. For those that would disagree, I ask you to check out how many predictable seasons of American Idol we will have to endure until someone realizes that it lost its steam a many a moon ago. Or how about the disaster of a series called Wife Swap? Honestly, did FOX just ignore the idea of creativity and push directly for insulting "reality" television? From what I see on television today, I could only assume the answer to be "yes". Firefly <hl> was a bold, unique, and highly original series <hl> that gave us powerful characters, detailed stories, and that Lost itch in the back of your mind that keeps you asking that age old question, "why". Yet, in all of its power, it was cancelled.Firefly is perfection on a stick. The twang of the guitar, the stone-face stare of Mal, the goofiness of Jayne (is that a girls name?), the questionable past of Shepard Book, the humor of Wash, the power of Zoe, and the innocence of Kaylee is exactly why I fell in love with this show. This is honestly, one of the few series that I could go back from the beginning and watch again, loving every moment of it. Whedon created a masterpiece in my eyes, and a huge opportunity was missed by several major networks to keep this imagination alive.While some will argue that Firefly was full of nothing more than C-rated actors who were "shallow cut-outs, and whose dialogue never rises above the level of a so-so sitcom", I thought that they brought so much personality and charisma to a smorgasbord of unoriginal programming. I wanted to know the truth behind River and the darkness behind the good Shepard. I continually waited for a snappy comeback from Mal, and was excited whenever he showed humility. Jayne was a big favorite of mine, always questioning authority, yet as loyal as the family dog. The love between Zoe and Wash brought a new layer of honesty to this sci-fi series. It wasn't just about paying for the ship, flying through unmapped terrain, or stealing, it was about humanity. That sense of humanity could be found in the opening episode for this series aptly titled "Serenity". In it, the crew takes upon some passengers with some rather unknown cargo. Inside one of those crates is a girl that will change their lives forever. For this series to work successfully, as it did, we needed human characters that bled, felt compassion, and demonstrated connectiveness to each of us. Mal's ship, Serenity, was a living example of how television could be done creatively and originally.The characters could only be as strong as the words that were handed to them. Listening to the words that pass through Mal's mouth, the charm of Wash, or even the inconsistent ramblings of River, you could only wonder where Whedon could have gone with all of them. In each of these characters, Whedon had written secrets. While, sadly, we may never know what they all were, that is what made you itch for more episodes. You not only wanted to see the creative "western" adventures that Whedon was sending his crew, but you also wanted to learn more about these band of renegades. They were good, but possibly darkness reigned inside of them. The character most guilty of this (outside of River) was Shepard Book. I loved this character. Whedon drew him with so much passion and conviction, yet with every episode you learned more about this man than imaginable. He is an excellent example of what this series was like. He represented the smart words of Whedon, the humanity of his character, and the secrets that each of these shared. He was a "priest", yet he knew more about the Alliance than anyone aboard that ship. If anyone were to ask me to describe the series in two words, I would simply say, "Shepard Book".George Lucas is credited with creating this detailed futuristic world that gives us glimpses of a possible future, or a galaxy far far away, Whedon succeeded in this series by giving us a plausible future in the not-too-distant future of 500 years. Prostitution in legal, in fact respected in the community, the Chinese and Americans have forged one super power called the Alliance, and our hero is a war veteran, still not shaken by the loss that his side took due to the Alliance control. While Lucas gives us far-fetched characters and situations, Whedon gives us a imaginative look at our future. I think that is why this series worked so well for me. I could imagine this future. I could see it past the characters. I wasn't bogged down by dopey looking aliens, but instead a plausible man vs. man situation. Firefly was simple, yet so complex.I could honestly go on forever about how much I enjoyed this show. I have never watched a series where I found myself prepared to watch over and over again. Firefly blends a power mixture of comedy, western, and action all together ... and the characters bleed. Villains die in this series. How often do you see that? If you have not watched this series, or have not spent the money to support it, DO IT RIGHT NOW!Grade: (proudly) ***** out of *****