“Numbers” introduces a very intriguing plot element: a set of mysterious … numbers. But what makes the episode, and the numbers, so compelling, is that they are introduced by way of character development for Hurley. The result is not only a plot twist, but a character twist – with the themes of fate, destiny and chance playing out in the background.

(more…)

Topics: TV Reviews
Filed under: Lost | No Comments »

A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, Enter The Nightbird, is now available:

Enter The Nightbird is a strong episode due to its action and themes. But most importantly, It’s memorable. Plausibility issues aside, the creation of a ninja robot, by human scientists, was handled exceptionally well. And it allowed for all manner of action and intrigue.

Read more »

Filed under: Transformers | Comments Off

In whetting our appetite for Battlestar Galactica Season 4, Sci-Fi aired two half-hour specials here in the U.S. on Friday, March 28, 2008. The first half-hour focused on a very brief summary and highlights from the past three seasons, as well as an interview with Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. The second half-hour features interviews with pop stars such as Seth Green (Robot Chicken), Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Joss Whedon (Firefly). On the whole, if you were already an avid fan of the series, there were only a few tidbits worth your time. For those looking to get on board for the fourth, and final, season, this was a decent launching point, though you’ll want to tune in next week to watch the two-part conclusion to Season 3. If you missed either special, you can watch them over at scifi.com. And I’ll upload a few screen caps up a little later this weekend.

Filed under: Battlestar Galactica | Comments Off

There is a new X-Files Season 1 review available:

“Ice” isn’t perfect, and I can’t say that it’s going to rank as one of my favorite X-Files episodes, but to give credit where it’s due: this is an episode that is relentless in its suspense. In fact, the mystery of the episode (essentially of the “monster of the week variety”) is secondary. The mood and tension take center stage and, as such, this episode can be riveting.

Read more »

Topics: TV Reviews
Filed under: X-files | No Comments »

In many ways, Heroes continues to confound me. In one scene it will do something I absolutely enjoy and in another it will do something that is utterly insignificant. And while the premise of the series, as well as the introductory voiceovers from Mohinder, are intriguing, there’s very little else within an episode that provokes any measure of deeper thought. Thus far, the series is shaping itself up to be a kind of television fast-food meal, with a small dash of something … a spice, maybe? You consume it. Once in a while a bite seems enjoyable. You feel a bit full afterwards. But you certainly aren’t satisfied or impressed. And nothing represents this dynamic better than “Better Halves.”

(more…)

Topics: TV Reviews
Filed under: Heroes | No Comments »

There is a new X-Files Season 1 review available:

Ghost In The Machine is a small step backward for the X-Files. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the episode is a failure. It simply means that the X-Files has experienced uncanny success thus far in its initial season. And this episode is merely average, showing the usual rough edges associated with the first season of a series. The story, the writing, the acting … they’re all merely average and, just occasionally, a little below average.

Read more »

Topics: TV Reviews
Filed under: X-files | No Comments »

In Translation is an intriguing episode by way of its final resolution. However, as the episode unfolds, it alternates between plodding exposition and over-the-top aggression and conflict. The effect is an episode that, while it is quite touching and revealing, is also quite flawed.

(more…)

Topics: TV Reviews
Filed under: Lost | No Comments »

Director Alfonso Cuarón said about his 2006 dystopian film, Children of Men, “I didn’t want to make a cautionary tale, because I don’t believe there’s time for caution.” And the movie is, if nothing else, immediate in its visual and emotional impact. Cuarón is clearly a master artist — especially when it comes to cinematography, framing, color palettes and the like. And Children of Men is chock full of symbolism. But there is something missing from the overall production that is, I believe, worthy of criticism: Cuarón simply leaves too much unsaid and open ended.

(more…)

Topics: Film Review
Filed under: Film | No Comments »

A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, Day of the Machines, is now available:

Day of the Machines is another episode that is heavy on the action, and fairly light on the characterizations. And, too, there are a few contrivances and flat out plot holes that can be very distracting. What helps this particular episode is that the overall story is more than engaging enough. And, too, the action is nearly non-stop — which tends to put a shiny gloss on the more questionable parts of the episode.

Read more »

Filed under: Transformers | Comments Off

A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, Atlantis, Arise!, is now available:

Atlantis, Arise! is fun, pure and simple. It’s one of the best constructed episodes thus far, with plenty of action and double-crosses from the Decepticons and their new allies, the Sub-Atlanticans. And even though the plot is exceedingly fanciful, it works — perhaps because Nergill, the leader of the Sub-Atlanticans is a very strong supporting character. Add in another iconic performance from the Dinobots and you have one of the best Transformers episodes thus far.

Read more »

Filed under: Transformers | Comments Off