Chuck dodges a bullet again

For the second year in a row "Chuck" has managed to get a 13 episode renewal. I'm not so sure that the show can manage such a feat next year though, unless it sees a miraculous ratings in the fall (assuming it starts in the fall), even with the horrific ratings that NBC is seeing right now. For more information from people far more informed than I am, take a gander at the link below.

Chuck Renewed!

Caprica Season 1.0

Yup, SciFi (oops I mean SyFy...) did it again. They're splitting up the seasons of a Ron Moore series simply because they're a cheap network. Although what would else you expect from a channel owned by NBC? Anyway, I've finally been able to re-watch each episode on my handy-dandy DVR and I feel prepared to offer my first half season review of Caprica.

I have to admit, this show has wildly exceeded my expectations. I know that I'm in a definite minority with this opinion, but I can't help it. Caprica may not have the wild actions scenes that Battlestar did, but that doesn't make it any less of a show. The show resembles a sort of "Soprano's in the Colonies" style, with character driven stories and no shortage of tension. Sure, there aren't Cylons running around causing all kinds of problems for the humans, as I've heard so many people complain, but isn't that kind of the point? This show is examining the excesses, hypocrisies, and mistakes which led to the fall of the Colonies.

The best part about this show has to be the characters. I'm especially fond of Sam Adama, but I don't think the show has delved deep enough into his character. There is clearly a lot of conflict in the Ha'la'tha enforcer, but we only glanced off of that. It was especially obvious in the episode where he ::SPOILER ALERT:: was preparing to kill Amanda Graystone. I also would love to see more of the V-World version of Tamara Adama. "There is Another Sky" was probably the second best episode of this season and that was solely because of Tamara. So Mr. Moore, give us more Tammy and more V-World!

The only gripe that I have with this series is that we don't really have anybody to hate. BSG had Cavil for the final 2 and a half seasons, and I really think he made the series better. I think Barnabas might be able to fill that role, and I've heard some people think that Tomas Vergis may be that guy. I don't really see it in Vergis though. He's looking for revenge for a misdeed that was brought upon him by Daniel Graystone. He may be looking for revenge, but he's not a real bastard like Cavil was.

In all, this series looks very very promising. However, with how the ratings look we may not get to see that promise realized. I would suggest that anybody who hasn't seen this show should try to watch it (sadly, most of the episodes are now off of Hulu). If this show only makes it one season, I'll be very disappointed. Caprica has the potential to be as good as BSG.

Season review:

4.25 out of 5.

A Plea

If you are not currently watching Caprica, please do so. This is an entirely selfish plea, since I love the show and want to see it renewed for a second season. The show is incredible, yet the ratings are decidedly less than stellar. So get out there, and at least give the show a chance. Go take a look at Hulu, the pilot should be up for one more week!

Caprica: It's what I hoped it would be

Mini Review:

This show is going to rock, period. At the end of the season I'm going to give a full review of the season, but I was thoroughly impressed with the episode. I really have hope for this series.

Avatar Review: Better late than never

I suppose it's only fitting that my review of Avatar comes weeks after I saw the film, considering it took Cameron years to get his epic action movie onto the big screen. With the holiday season and family obligations I have been forced to put off this review until today.

First and foremost, the visuals are everything you'd want them to be. Often times when I'm watching a CGI heavy movie I am continually conscious of the fact that those characters, locales, or whatever else don't actually exist. This is absolutely not the case with Avatar. Maybe it was the 3d effects or the the mass amounts of money thrown at this project, but these were hands down the best CGI visuals I've ever seen, and are reason alone to pay to see this movie in the theater.

As for the plot, it was good, but not spectacular. Many of the themes are retreads from other movies, and the characters are engaging without being outstanding. The plot really just served its purpose. It capably moved the story forward and offered us a reason to stay and enjoy the visual splendor of this film.

My only real issue with the film was the primary villain. He was incredibly one dimensional, hell-bent on blowing up as many blue-skinned cat people as he possibly could. I suppose I should have expected this from Cameron though, considering his most memorable prior villains are an emotionless cyborg bent on killing Sarah/John Connor and an iceberg. For all the good things Cameron can do, he really has trouble with complex antagonists. Maybe he'll get it right in the sequels, which are sure to happen.

No matter how you slice it this movie is pure popcorn flick fun. My one warning is that you really should see this movie in 3d. I decided to see it in both ways, and the 2d version really does not do the visuals justice.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5