Subject to change, the following is DauntlessMedia.net’s release schedule, which contains completed reviews and articles, as well as their anticipated release dates for the week of September 1 – 7, 2008:

(more…)

Filed under: Release Schedule | No Comments »

Overview

“The Message” is a story about what happens when the past forces its way through to the present. It’s a story about the meaning of loyalty and friendship. And it’s a story about what happens when you receive a cadaver in the mail – especially when that cadaver is an old army comrade. Along the way, the episode features a riveting chase sequence, some stereotypical bad guys, the typical Firefly brand of humor, and one of the most emotionally poignant moments of the series. On the whole, this is a perfect example of the Firefly series: good, eclectic ideas that sometimes work well, and sometimes don’t.

(more…)

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Firefly | No Comments »

I Am Legend is a horrid excuse for filmmaking. From start to finish almost nothing works. The pacing is horrendous. The story is disjointed and pointless. Despite a few competent moments, Will Smith’s performance as Robert Neville skews into a highly irritating display of overacting. The script certainly didn’t help him out any. And the special effects look like they were ripped out of The Mummy Returns – complete with anatomically impossible jaw movements.

(more…)

Topics: Film Review, Horror, Sci-Fi
Filed under: Film | No Comments »

“Two For The Road” is an example of a narrative-based episode that provides enough punch to be able to overlook a relative lack of character or thematic depth. That isn’t to say that this particular episode is entirely shallow, however, when comparing this one to the other episodes of Lost, there’s a distinct shift in focus. Ostensibly, this is an episode about misinformation, about masquerades, and an attempt at redemption. But it is the episode’s final scene which will leave everyone talking.

(more…)

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Lost | No Comments »

“Errand of Mercy” is notable for its introduction of the Klingon Empire, as well as the battle of wits between Kirk and the Klingon commander, Kor, played with wonderful relish by John Colicos (later known for his role as Baltar, in Battlestar Galactica - 1978). Unfortunately, the episode is sabotaged by poor writing, and acting, with respect to Kirk. His performance is strictly caricature, pushing William Shatner’s trademark hesitating diction to the limit. The result is that the episode’s commentary about war and adversaries is diminished. Read more »

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Star Trek | Comments Off

At World’s End, the final film of the Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy is, arguably, the weakest of the franchise with a plot that is too convoluted and a story that is too fantastical. It is ironic then that the soundtrack is easily the best of the three. With this particular installment, composer Hans Zimmer has further expanded his palette to great effect. Not only does he have the themes from the first two films to draw upon, but he adds a couple of new themes and motifs that are just as enjoyable.

(more…)

Topics: Film Music
Filed under: Hans Zimmer, Pirates of the Caribbean, Soundtracks | No Comments »

“The Devil In The Dark” is a good episode for showcasing the ideals which Star Trek strives to embody. There are some interesting “Jaws” like moments when, before we see the episode’s monster, we’re subjected to a more psychological kind of horror by way of everyone’s reactions surrounding the dozens of murders. But the episode is clumsy in terms of plausibility, and it stumbles with its pacing and preaching as it reaches its conclusion. The result is to make “The Devil In The Dark” a memorable, and yet less than average episode – one whose value diminishes with repeat viewings.

Read more »

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Star Trek | Comments Off

If Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was an exercise in brute force, Dead Man’s Chest demonstrates what can happen when that brute force begins to be channeled into new and creative avenues. The soundtrack is still a sonic assault, but it also is much more diverse and epic than its predecessor. Composer Hans Zimmer greatly expands his canvas in this installment, including new themes for the Kraken, Davy Jones and even Jack Sparrow. The soundtrack is also longer, providing more opportunity for listeners to get to know the new musical additions.

(more…)

Topics: Film Music
Filed under: Hans Zimmer, Pirates of the Caribbean, Soundtracks | No Comments »

“S.O.S.” is an episode that confronts issues of faith – and the clash between blind faith and the need for action. This is done by way two stories, each with their own perspective on the issue. But once again, the explorations of these ideas are very minimal, especially compared to the heavier focus on exposition. In other words, the episode is more interested in conveying information – past and present – instead of asking questions, and following wherever the answers may lead.

(more…)

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Lost | No Comments »

Anna’s world changes … forever …

This episode begins with the final scene of the last episode — with the doctor performing some kind of bizarre procedure on Nick. Suddenly they are interrupted by two men, one carrying what looks like a vacuum cleaner on his back (or is that a Ghostbusters nuclear accelerator?). In any event, the one intruder has his arm severed by a laser-like weapon from the doctor. The doctor is subsequently shot by the vaccuum cleaner … and then so is Nick.

And then it becomes … surreal.

(more…)

Topics: Sci-Fi, Web Reviews
Filed under: Gemini Division | No Comments »

“This Side of Paradise” is a close look at the potential benefits of a purely peaceful, sedentary life. At the center of the episode’s thematic conflict is Kirk’s assertion that humanity needs challenges and conflict in order to grow and evolve – to be human, in other words. And that life in paradise robs humanity of its vital need to improve itself through industry and hard work to overcome the obstacles which provide the motivation for our growth. Unfortunately, these issues are more or less buried in an episode that seems more concerned with the “wow” factor of Spock climbing trees and falling in love than it does with staying on message.

Read more »

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Star Trek | Comments Off

With the end of Harry Potter, the literary world has been in search of “the next big thing.” One contender for the mantle of fantasy-genre leader is Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, currently standing at four books and projected to top off at seven installments. Book One, titled Magyk, introduces us to Sage’s creation, to the characters which we are meant to follow for the series, and the villains who will try and rule the world for their own ends. As books go, especially ones with adolescent readers in mind, Magyk is a fairly long book – which can be intimidating for readers who are just learning to get through novels written by the likes of Jerry Spinelli or Roald Dahl. But Potter veterans shouldn’t blanche at the sight of Magyk and, truth be told, it’s a much quicker read than most Potter installments. But is Magyk any good?

Well, it’s average.

(more…)

Topics: Book Review, Fantasy
Filed under: Books | 1 Comment »

American Psycho is a satire. I get that. American Psycho is a dark comedy. I get that, too. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a well-crafted film, which provides insightful, intelligent commentary on the targets of its satirical comedy. Rather, American Psycho has more in common with Idiocracy and Steven Colbert than it does with John Stewart or Wall-E. The truth is, American Psycho is simply a clumsy attempt at complex literary forms.

(more…)

Topics: Comedy, Film Review, Satire
Filed under: Film | No Comments »

Idiocracy is a stupid movie about stupid people. It’s unfortunate when a well-timed, highly relevant satire can’t get out of its own way and ends up becoming that which it purports to ridicule. I really liked the film’s premise, illustrated in a wonderfully quirky, and morbidly funny, narration. And if you pay attention to the film, there are certainly enough references to current times to provide a legitimate backdrop for a satirical story. The problem with the film is that not does it end up being a feel good story about stupidity, it also is about sixty minutes too long.

(more…)

Topics: Comedy, Film Review, Satire
Filed under: Film | No Comments »

Anna learns just how special Nick is.

“Love Costs”  introduces us to Anna’s growing suspicions about Nick, who suddenly wants to leave Paris and go to Madrid.  Anna decides that her mistrust of Nick warrants following him into the “crappy part of town” to see what might be going on.  She suspects that, perhaps, Nick is in over his head on a shady business deal.  But what she discovers is something much more shocking.

(more…)

Topics: Sci-Fi, Web Reviews
Filed under: Gemini Division | No Comments »