tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19608752041821552282024-03-12T20:07:16.362-07:00Reviews: For Geeks, By a GeekTHE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-85924118555399925272010-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:002010-05-14T19:43:40.304-07:00Chuck dodges a bullet againFor 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.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/14/chuck-renewed-still-again-officially/51435">Chuck Renewed!</a></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-16800383753778887272010-04-20T13:01:00.001-07:002010-04-20T13:28:52.981-07:00Caprica Season 1.0Yup, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SciFi</span> (oops I mean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SyFy</span>...) 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DVR</span> and I feel prepared to offer my first <s>half</s> season review of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Caprica</span>.<div><br /></div><div>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. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Caprica</span> may not have the wild actions scenes that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Battlestar</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cylons</span> 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.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best part about this show has to be the characters. I'm especially fond of Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Adama</span>, but I don't think the show has delved deep enough into his character. There is clearly a lot of conflict in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ha'la'tha</span> enforcer, but we only glanced off of that. It was especially obvious in the episode where he ::SPOILER ALERT:: was preparing to kill Amanda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Graystone</span>. I also would love to see more of the V-World version of Tamara <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Adama</span>. "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!</div><div><br /></div><div>The only gripe that I have with this series is that we don't really have anybody to hate. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BSG</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Vergis</span> may be that guy. I don't really see it in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Vergis</span> though. He's looking for revenge for a misdeed that was brought upon him by Daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Graystone</span>. He may be looking for revenge, but he's not a real bastard like Cavil was.</div><div><br /></div><div>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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Hulu</span>). If this show only makes it one season, I'll be very disappointed. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Caprica</span> has the potential to be as good as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">BSG</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Season review:</div><div><br /></div><div>4.25 out of 5.</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-84921670802494688972010-03-03T07:07:00.000-08:002010-03-03T07:09:45.035-08:00A PleaIf you are not currently watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Caprica</span>, 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hulu</span>, the pilot should be up for one more week!THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-73524985688587609132010-01-31T19:23:00.001-08:002010-01-31T19:25:13.504-08:00Caprica: It's what I hoped it would beMini Review:<div><br /></div><div>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.</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-63492816094920463752010-01-06T09:35:00.000-08:002010-01-06T09:44:57.065-08:00Avatar Review: Better late than neverI 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.<br /><br />First and foremost, the visuals are everything you'd want them to be. Often times when I'm watching a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CGI</span> heavy movie I am continually conscious of the fact that those characters, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">locales</span>, 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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">CGI</span> visuals I've ever seen, and are reason alone to pay to see this movie in the theater.<br /><br />As for the plot, it was good, but not spectacular. Many of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">themes</span> 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.<br /><br />My only real issue with the film was the primary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">villain</span>. 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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">villains</span> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Rating: 4.5 out of 5THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-4886385948882156452009-12-01T12:42:00.000-08:002009-12-01T13:35:48.568-08:00Top 10 Battlestar Galactica (RDM version) EpisodesWell, you all seemed to enjoy the first ever Geek Top 10 list, so I've decided to make these a more regular feature of the blog. This week, with the premier of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Caprica</span> nearing ever closer, I decided to do my Top 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Battlestar</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Galactica</span> episodes:<div><br /></div><div><b>10.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Maelstrom</b></span>, Season 3</div><div>A great "what was real, and what was in her head" episode. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Starbuck</span> is a complex character, and this episode is where the knot starts to untangle. I'm not going to spoil the ending, but I really didn't see it coming. Granted, the end wasn't what it appeared to be, but to say I was shocked would be an extreme understatement.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Blood on the Scales</b></span>, Season 4</div><div>I was shocked it took the producers as long as it did to use mutiny as a plot. When they did though, they certainly didn't disappoint. Watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Adama</span> and his followers attempt to retake the ship was fantastic. The ending was shot perfectly too, leaving the audience questioning whether the mutineers were truly power-hungry or simply misguided. My vote is for both.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>8.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Sometimes a Great Notion</b></span>, Season 4</div><div>Talk about a depressing start to a season. ::SPOILERS:: Earth is an irradiated wasteland, and the humans elation has turned to abject sorrow. Not only that, the Thirteenth Tribe weren't human at all, they were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">frakking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cylons</span>! ::END SPOILERS:: Wow, I was exhausted after this episode, and I mean that in the best way possible.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Exodus (Parts I and II)</b></span>, Season 3</div><div>Wow, the action in this episode is absolutely epic for a television show. Again, I won't give any spoilers away, but when a certain ship jumps into the middle of a battle to save the day, I got chills. This episode is really a coming-out party for Lee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Adama</span>. The character really steps to another level of complexity, and became one of the most compelling characters from that point forward.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6.</b> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Fragged</b></span></span>, Season 2</div><div>I am a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gaius</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Baltar</span> fan. This episode is perhaps James <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Callis's</span> best performance as the self absorbed doctor. The dynamic between the stranded crewmen in this episode is fascinating to watch. This cemented <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Baltar</span> as the deepest character in the show, and left me wanting to learn more about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gaius</span> each episode.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>The Hand of God</b></span>, Season 1</div><div>The first true victory for the humans. This episode is truly highlighted by Bear <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">McCreary's</span> score. The Celtic victory march (Wander My Friends) became somewhat of a running theme throughout the rest of the series, and deservedly so. As an aficionado of Celtic music myself, I can tell you that it is a fantastic song. During the victory celebration on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Galactica</span> the audience truly feels a part of the crew, as if they had just struck a blow to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cylons</span> themselves. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>4.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Crossroads</b></span> (Parts I and II), Season 3</div><div>Final Five. That's all that needs to be said. Really, I'm not going to say anything else.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>33</b></span>, Season 1</div><div>I swear I didn't try to have 33 at number 3, it just worked out that way. This was the first true "episode" of the show after the Miniseries. The tension was absolutely palpable, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Galactica's</span> crew began to wear down from the stress of the pursuing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Cylons</span>, who show up on the Humans' tail every 33 minutes. Every jump in this episode was incredibly tense, wondering what ships will make it and what ones will be left to the pursuing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Basestars</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Someone to Watch Over Me</b></span>, Season 4</div><div>This is Katee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Sackhoff's</span> finest performance. Kara Thrace was always the most compelling character on the show for me, and this episode really showed why. The mental torment <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Starbuck</span> faced each episode was evident, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Sackhoff</span> really brought that all home this time around. This episode also sprung the most shocking revelation of the show on the audience. With how good this episode was, its almost a shame to have it as number 2.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1.</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Daybreak (Parts I and II)</b></span>, Season 4</div><div>As far as I'm concerned there was no other choice than this one. Daybreak is by far the best season finale of any series since Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The producers played their hand perfectly with the finale, revealing some secrets to us, while leaving some still shrouded in mystery to give the fans something to debate for years to come. I'm not going to spoil the ending for anyone who is still living under a rock, but it is one of the greatest twists of all time. This is a perfect episode and was a fitting end for not only a great show, but one of the best pieces of sci-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">fi</span> ever crafted.</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-86990778209964000062009-11-20T07:25:00.001-08:002009-11-20T07:54:11.208-08:00Top 10 Christmas Specials of All TimeIt has been far too long, I know. As school has started again, my time has unfortunately been stolen away from me yet again. However, as the Christmas season is nearly upon us, I feel that it's time for me to enlighten you as to the 10 best Christmas specials of all time. This list WILL NOT include feature films, however. I plan on doing that list some time in December. So without any further delay...<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">10. The Christmas Toy</span></b></div><div>This one is truly a hidden gem. A Jim Henson production, it essentially mimics the plot of Toy Story years before the movie was made. There are two cameos by Kermit the Frog in this one, essentially as a means of sucking the kids in for a Muppet story not containing any of their favorite characters. This one is tough to find these days, but if you can get your hands on it, I strongly recommend giving it a chance.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>9. The Twilight Zone "The Night of the Meek"</b></span></div><div>Not your usual Twilight Zone episode, that's for sure. But this is absolutely one of the best Christmas stories ever broadcast on TV. The story is about a drunkard department store Santa who would want nothing more than to be the real Saint Nick. I won't give away all the details, but unlike most Twilight Zone episodes this one will leave you feeling warm inside.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>8. A Muppet Family Christmas</b></span></div><div>You really can't go wrong with a Jim Henson production. The man was a genius. This one is funny and brings together all of the Henson favorites. You get to see your favorite characters from the Muppets, Sesame Street, and even Fraggle Rock. This one is a must-watch every Holiday season.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>7. Psych "Gus's Dad May Have Killed an Old Guy"</b></span></div><div>Readers of this blog know my love of Psych. This is just plain a classic Psych episode with a fantastic Christmas theme. And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> not to mention the Christmas carol reworking of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">show's</span> theme. This one is an absolute must-see!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>6. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><b>Twas the Night Before Christmas</b></span></span></b></span></div><div>Another lesser known Christmas special. The music in this special is by far my favorite. "Even a Miracle Needs a Hand" is an absolute classic, and I just wish I could find it on a Christmas album compilation somewhere. Sure, maybe the anti-intellectual leanings of the show may be a tad off-putting for a cartoon, but let's be honest, this one is far to fun to let that ruin it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>5. Frosty the Snowman</b></span></div><div>An absolute classic. Every child has seen this special, and I will find myself watching this one multiple times every Christmas season. I still get a kick of out Professor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hinkle</span> saying "messy, messy, messy" when he drops the eggs. I'm such a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">frakking</span> child.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>4. The Office "Christmas Party"</b></span></div><div>The best sitcom Christmas episode ever made, period. I really don't need to say anything other than that. This episode introduced me to the notion of Yankee Swap, and I will never look at office secret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Santas</span> the same.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>3. A Garfield Christmas</b></span></div><div>Now we're into the shoe-ins. This one is just great. Who doesn't love to hear Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rawls</span> singing original Christmas songs in this one? The story is great too, its just going home for Christmas. Who can't empathize with the weird things that happen when you head home for the Holidays? Just an absolute classic through and through.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>2. A Charlie Brown Christmas</b></span></div><div>"Lights please." I would bet most people (who actually celebrate Christmas, that is) could recite this classic line for line. From the great score by Vince <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Guaraldi</span>, to the classically quotable lines, this one is just plain perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>1. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer</b></span></div><div>The ultimate Christmas special. It started it all, and it's still the greatest one ever made. It's funny, exciting, the music is great. In short, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this special. Watch it, watch it again, watch it again after that. I could watch this every single day.</div><div><br /></div><div>So there it is. As usual, if you don't agree with me, feel free to let me know. You won't change my mind, but it's always fun to hear.</div><div><b><br /></b></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-32158707057140161302009-09-25T07:29:00.001-07:002009-09-25T07:34:07.955-07:00Sort of Geek RelatedAs I would say the Patrick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Swayze</span> movies "Point Break" and "Roadhouse" fall firmly into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">geekdom</span>, this article caught my eye. I've linked the Bad Astronomer, Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Plait</span>, before but I think any explanation of his article by me would be pointless. Just read it and be disgusted (not by Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Plait</span>, of course).<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/09/25/alt-med-ghouls/">Bad Astronomy</a></div><div><br /></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-4662022885374847042009-09-18T08:29:00.000-07:002009-09-18T08:39:55.730-07:00Community Series Premier Review<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'm a bit torn about this series, given the severely limited sample size I have to go on after only one episode. I think Joel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McHale</span> is one of the funniest people in the world right now, and despite some recent failing, Chevy Chase still has fantastic comedic chops. But as a whole, the series is still a bit of a mystery to me.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Let's start with the good. Neither <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McHale</span> nor Chase disappointed in their Community debuts. Their timing was spot on, and I get the feeling scenes between these two will be hilarious in future episodes.</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The pleasant surprise of this show was the work done by John Oliver. I think he is probably the best Daily Show correspondent since Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Carell</span> and Stephen Colbert, but I had serious doubts about his ability to transfer those talents to a more traditional sitcom setting. My doubts were clearly unfounded. Oliver absolutely stole the first episode, and was far and away the funniest actor during the first 30 minutes of this series.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The biggest gripe I had with the episode was the lack of interaction between much of the characters. This is a problem that many series face in their first episode, but it was particularly glaring in Community. The study group scenes didn't feel like a group of people interacting, but more like 7 individual actors speaking to pretty much nobody.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Also, the character who spoke to quickly simply wasn't funny. Not only was it a bad <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">shtick</span>, but it's been used far too many times before. Hopefully they tweak that character a bit, and at least tone him down slightly.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>All in all this series certainly has potential. I sincerely hope they make a few minor tweaks as the show goes forward, it could be one of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NBC's</span> surprise hits this fall.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2 out of 5</div></div></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-2933671851846936792009-09-18T07:07:00.000-07:002009-09-18T08:40:18.486-07:00Office Review- "Gossip"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last night The Office's sixth season premiered on NBC. The episode is a bit of a departure from prior Office premiers, and certainly succeeded where its predecessors had stumbled.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In prior season finales, The Office usually left its fans with some sort of cliffhanger (Jim kissing Pam, the failed proposal, I could go on and on). However, last season's finale really didn't do that to the extent previously found with this series. Any fan with half a brain could tell that the big <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">surprise</span> in last season's finale was the Jim and Pam pregnancy (Side note: I'm starting to get tired of the JAM centric <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">story lines</span> on this show), but really didn't leave the fans wondering about what was next. This left the possibilities for the premier wide open.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And the writers absolutely delivered. The episode dealt a lot with the inner workings of Scranton branch, something that had somewhat fallen to the wayside last season. Secondly, this episode was the triumphant return of Michael centered storytelling. It's always fun to explore Michael's need to be included, as this episode did, and the incredibly stupid lengths he takes to achieve these goals.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The only problem I have with this episode is that most of the comedy consisted of quick-hit one liners. They were certainly funny, but I generally prefer the situational humor that The Office has utilized so well.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In all this was a worthy start to what should be a fantastic season of the best show on TV.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4.5 out of 5</div></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-20399808256603849852009-09-15T14:31:00.000-07:002009-09-15T14:35:48.792-07:00The long dry summer is almost over...Yes, my small yet loyal group of readers, the end is in sight! New episodes of The Office begin this Thursday, along with one of the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">shows</span> I will be reviewing, Community. Then the next week The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother will also be returning. Sadly we'll have to wait until January for the start of Chuck (read: NBC trying to starve the show to cancellation), but as for me I'm just glad to be interacting with all of you yet again!<div><br /></div><div>P.S. Look for my review of the "Star Trek" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BluRay</span> around Christmas time, I've received several e-mails as to when that will be hitting the blog, but I just plain don't have the cash to buy it myself (when it comes out in November) and will need to beg somebody to give it to me as a gift.</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-90213705249555126202009-07-02T11:16:00.001-07:002009-09-15T14:36:48.567-07:00Slow geek culture monthI know, I know, I should be reviewing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Transformers</span> 2. But to be honest, I have no desire to see it (the first one just didn't do it for me), so you'll have to go elsewhere for that review. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm sure you will all be able to manage without me.THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-62956290044609632522009-06-03T10:48:00.000-07:002009-06-03T10:57:59.912-07:00Not much to reviewThe summer is always a slow period for reviewing, but as far as I'm concerned this is much more important. I have always been a strong supporter of childhood vaccinations. They save millions of lives every year by providing both individual and herd immunity. However, there is a movement out there, led primarily by Hollywood celebrities, telling parents not to have their children vaccinated. This is all part of a growing movement away from science in this country, and frankly it's terrifying. If these people were to have their way many innocent children will die from preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough.<br /><br />What really gets me is that people are falling for the garbage celebrities like Jenny McCarthy and Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carrey</span> are spewing. For my money I'd rather listen to the opinion of the American Medical Association, and not some famous mouthpiece with a degree from Google University.<br /><br />The worst offender in this movement against science isn't a former Playmate or a guy who talked with his butt in a movie. No, it's Dear Leader Oprah. She consistently <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shills</span> new age <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">whack</span> job ideas on her show, and is never taken to task for it. That is until this week. Newsweek has published a fantastic article about Oprah's anti-science leanings. I won't attempt to describe it, just take a look for yourself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/200025/page/1">Link</a>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-80708196006354694062009-05-23T05:51:00.000-07:002009-09-18T07:18:58.063-07:00Review- Terminator: SalvationThe reviews are pretty sparse this time of year, with it being the TV off-season. But luckily for me (and my ego in thinking you care), there are a fair number of geeky summer movies this year. The newest on that list being Terminator: Salvation.<div><br /></div><div>If you hadn't been paying much attention to the press surrounding this movie, I think the beginning may have been a tad confusing. It shows a death-row inmate in 2003 signing a form to donate his body to science (read: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cyberdyne</span></span>) after his impending execution. I think some people who just came to the movie blind, may have thought they walked into the wrong theatre.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a whole the movie delivered. The action scenes were pretty well spaced out. You didn't have lots of down time between them, but it also wasn't non-stop action devoid of character development. Some of the newer characters (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">aside</span> from Marcus) weren't explored in the depth that they should have though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Where this movie really succeeded, and many other prequels fail (is this a prequel or a sequel? Damn time travel), was to show the characters we love from the previous films in a manner that was consistent with their previous portrayal. This was especially evident with Anton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yelchin's</span></span> job as Kyle Reese. He really captured the Kyle we saw in the first Terminator, complete with the compassion you rarely see in gritty sci-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fi</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">heroes</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The one feeling I couldn't shake throughout the movie is that I was watching a World War II movie, but with androids. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">shaky</span> camera style was very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">reminiscent</span> of Saving Private Ryan, and became distracting at points. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but for my taste, it wasn't completely successful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I'd say this movie is successful for what it is. It was fun, the action scenes were solid, and it brought some beloved characters back to the big screen. Sure, this doesn't rank up there with the first two Terminator films, but it's a fun ride anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating: 3 out of 5</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-9679038855762904902009-05-20T17:57:00.001-07:002009-05-20T18:01:58.873-07:00TV seasons are over, so no reviewsBut I have something else fun for you guys. Most of you true geeks have probably already heard about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brentalfloss</span>, but for those of you that haven't you really should check out his stuff. He has a ton of funny videos on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Youtube</span>, and just recently signed with Screw Attack to exclusively show his "Video game songs: With Lyrics" series. I've provided a link to both. Check them out and subscribe to his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Youtube</span> channel. You won't regret it.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/brentalfloss"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Brentalfloss</span>: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Youtube</span> channel</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.screwattack.com/brentalfloss">Screw Attack</a></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-969479190375687582009-05-17T20:23:00.000-07:002009-05-17T20:27:24.592-07:00Good news, but not as good as I'd hopedHere it is: Chuck has been renewed! But unfortunately it's only for a 13 episode run.<div><br /></div><div>I don't usually just link to other sites, but in this case, I just got back from Chicago, and I'm dead tired. <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/17/chuck-renewed/18828">Link</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-28888647568803699202009-05-16T06:53:00.000-07:002009-05-16T07:08:38.890-07:00The Office Review: Season Finale<div>WARNING: More spoileriffic than usual</div><div><br /></div>The Office had its season finale on Thursday. Although I was a bit disappointed that the episode was only a half an hour, as The Office usually does super-sized finalies, this was a pretty darn good episode.<div><br /></div><div>It's always nice to see the entire office together outside of the Dunder Mifflin- Scranton walls. Episodes like "Booze Cruise" and "The Convention" followed the same forumla and succeeded. This episode was no exception. There were plenty of those trademark awkward moments The Office is so well known for. Michael announcing a branch closing during a comedy sketch will go down as classic moment in this show's history.</div><div><br /></div><div>There had been a lot of internet chatter leading up to this episode about one of the main characters finding out they were pregnant in this episode. I'm not going to give away who it was, but it wasn't my first choice. Frankly, I was hoping that it was Angela. I think it would have laid out some nice tension for next season, wondering if the baby was Dwight's or Andy's. Oh well, I guess.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, Idris Elba's character, Charles, is incredibly frustrating. I'm not a JAM fanboy like so many other fans, but it really gets annoying seeing his vendetta against Jim. He just seems like a petty child who can't get over his disdain for another person. I get the feeling this is what the writers are going for, but I think they're just going a bit too over-the-top with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall a good episode, and a worthy finale to a very solid season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating: 4 out of 5</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-82488899812942671302009-05-14T15:01:00.000-07:002009-05-14T15:12:48.232-07:00Big Bang Theory Review....a tad lateHi everyone, sorry for the late update. Just trying to get into the swing of things at the new firm, so updates may be a tad sporadic.<div><br /></div><div>Well, it was the season finale of Big Bang Theory on Monday, and it was alright. The episode advanced some running plot lines, especially the constant romantic tension between Leonard and Penny. That aspect of the plot was pretty satisfying, and I was glad that they didn't opt for the sappy and unrealistic overly-happy ending.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sheldon was one of the funniest characters, but that tends to be par for the course. Jim Parsons is so funny in that role, and more people should really be aware of it. He is a comedic star in waiting, and I wouldn't be shocked if he started popping up in movies (like Jason Segel's path from How I Met Your Mother to feature length star) very soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>But overall, this episode just felt like it didn't really go anywhere. I really can't put my finger on it, but it just seemed stagnant. The episode wasn't up to the highest levels we've seen with this show, but it certainly wasn't bad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating: 3 out of 5</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-29196293813317555312009-05-10T12:12:00.000-07:002009-05-10T12:17:06.087-07:00Want to nitpick?If you want to be Comic Book Guy from The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Simpsons</span>, here's what Leonard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nimoy</span> says about that. Video: <a href="http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/update-feature-star-trek/1099561/">Weekend Update Trek Interview</a><div><br /></div><div>WARNING: Not safe for work</div><div><br /></div><div>On a side note, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SNL</span> has been particularly mediocre (and that may be generous) the last 10 or so years, but last night's episode was very solid. I'm not a fan of Justin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Timberlake</span> (don't hate him either, just indifferent), but whenever he's on that show he does a very good job.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-46920527136696378822009-05-09T11:46:00.001-07:002009-05-09T11:53:40.771-07:00Star Trek: Not just for geeks anymoreAt least that's what the numbers are saying. In just a day and a half "Star Trek" has pulled in a very solid $31 million. To put it into context, the most successful Trek film prior to this was "First Contact." That movie pulled in 30.7 million in its full first weekend. Furthermore, the most recent adventure of the Enterprise has brought in more cash for Paramount than "Nemesis" did in its ENTIRE THEATRICAL RUN!<div><br /></div><div>Assuming this film has decent staying power, it looks like we'll be getting to see some more adventures with this new cast. I for one can't wait.</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-57493108347996437942009-05-08T11:32:00.000-07:002009-05-08T11:37:57.853-07:00Big News!...well sort of. The well informed site Tvbythenumbers.com has upgraded Chuck's status as 95% likely to be renewed for next season. Now of course this isn't from NBC's mouth, but it is encouraging. <div><br /></div><div>For those of you that followed my blog back when it was on wordpress, you know my feelings about Chuck. This is a show that you should be watching, it is one of the most original shows to be aired in a very long time. If you're reading this and haven't seen Chuck before go to NBC.com and watch an episode. You'll thank me.<div><br /></div><div>Here's the link to the site: <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/06/chuck-medium-law-earls-chances-just-got-hammered/18204">Tvbythenumbers</a></div></div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-17826402421081826102009-05-08T11:19:00.000-07:002009-05-08T11:49:06.109-07:00The Office review: "Cafe Disco"As readers of my old blog know, I think the Office is the best show currently on TV. Unfortunately last night's episode didn't live up to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">show's</span> high standards.<div><br /></div><div>The cold opening was pretty funny. It's rare that you see one of Dwight's pranks actually land successfully. The prank is exactly what you'd expect out of him, mean spirited and funny to nobody but him. His <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">maniacal</span> laughter in the talking head really brought the joke home, and left me anticipating a great episode ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately it didn't just go down hill from there, it fell off of a cliff. Michael's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pathological</span> need to be liked is usually good for some laughs, but in this case it just came off as really pathetic. It was so bad that I couldn't even laugh at it. I just felt sorry for him the entire time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The scenes with Dwight and Phyllis were awful too. The only laugh I can recall was when Bob Vance asked to "steal" Phyllis from Dwight and he responded "you can't steal what you legally own." That was the typical socially awkward and insensitive Dwight, but there just wasn't enough of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>This episode is very forgettable, which is understandable. The Office has often had some of its more memorable <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">missteps</span> very close to the end of a season. This ends a run of very good episodes from the show, but with The Office's track record I fully expect next week to be a great one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating: 2 out of 5</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-49604311627407977392009-05-08T10:46:00.000-07:002009-05-08T11:13:40.601-07:00Boldly going....where I haven't been in a while<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vJeqTq9e9Co/SgR2LTNk8dI/AAAAAAAAAAk/wJ7-FVCgvFA/s1600-h/Badge_2371.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vJeqTq9e9Co/SgR2LTNk8dI/AAAAAAAAAAk/wJ7-FVCgvFA/s200/Badge_2371.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333517795221369298" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">Hey everybody, sorry for the incredibly long delay. Shortly after switching hosting sites school really kicked into high gear, and unfortunately the blog became a casualty. I'll be working at a firm full time this summer. So hopefully I'll have a bit more spare time, as I missed doing this. Anyway, on to the first review in a while.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">As always I'll try to keep the spoilers to a minimum.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">Last night was the day many geeks had been waiting for, the return of Star Trek to theatres. First, let me preface this, I have been a Trekkie (not "Trekker," only people who are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">afraid</span> of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">geekiness</span> use that term) for most of my life. I was privileged enough to tour the Next Generation set several times, as a family friend worked for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">show's</span> costume department. So, this review may be biased, so take it for what it's worth.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">The prologue to this movie is unquestionably the best in Trek history. The effects are fantastic, and the action doesn't let up until the movie's title appears on the screen. What really stood out about the prologue though is the incredibly written dialogue between George and Winona Kirk. This scene is one of the best written and emotionally moving <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">scene</span> since Spock's death in The Wrath of Khan.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">::MINOR SPOILER:: The time travel basis of the plot was another brilliant choice. The problem you usually run into with prequels is that you know that the characters are never really in danger. You've seen what happens later, they obviously survive. With this movie you are constantly left feeling that tragedy could befall any of these characters, and it does. Wow, it sure does.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">I won't spill the beans as to the tragedy, but I loved it. It was an incredible twist that really sent the message that in this new Trek, anything goes. However, I have a feeling that the "Comic Book Guy" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Trekkies</span> out there are going to be up in arms about this. It really is a big change, and I think will fly better with non-fans and casual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Trekkies</span> like myself, as opposed to the types who attend conventions every year.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">Much of the success of this film should be credited to the cast. The actors captured the spirit of the characters without simply imitating the former actors. Karl Urban really stands out in my mind. He was the perfect McCoy. He nailed the voice, the anger, even the mannerisms. Chris Pine also hit a home run with the new version of Kirk. This Kirk isn't the one we grew up with, he had a much more troubled youth, and it showed. Pine captured the cockiness that Kirk had, but there was a different edge to it. He was still the captain, but a little rougher around the edges. I wouldn't be shocked if this movie ends up making a big star out of Pine.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">My only gripe with the movie was the villain. Don't get me wrong, Nero was effective, and Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bana</span> did a fine job portraying him. My complaint was that he was pretty much a bald, tattooed, pointy eared version of Khan. Sure he didn't control his emotions as well as Khan, but the revenge driven bad guy has been done before, and done too well to be tried again.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">That gripe is particularly minor, however, as the movie as a whole was nearly perfect. This ranks up there with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Khan</span>, First Contact, and The Undiscovered Country, as one of the best, if not the best, Trek movies of all time. If you like Trek, see this movie now. If you don't like Trek...still see this movie now. It is that good.</div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">Rating: 5 out of 5</div></span>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-28174957755213756062009-03-16T17:29:00.000-07:002009-03-16T17:55:44.070-07:00Review: Big Bang Theory 3/16/2009The Big Bang Theory is one of the best sophomore comedies on television right now. The show defies its arguably played-out premise (who would have thought strange situations would come out of 4 nerds hanging out with a less than intelligent waitress?), and consistently delivers solid comedy.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight's episode was no different. The episode involved Penny starting a buisness selling hair barettes and enlisting Sheldon to improve her efficiency. The premise may be somewhat silly, but the writers definately delivered some solid material.</div><div><br /></div><div>The episode has several highlights, specifically Sheldon's classification of coffee as a "gateway drug." It absolutely fit Sheldon's rigid views on life, caffine is a drug, therefore he can't drink coffee. It was also nice to see the writers reference Sheldon's extreme fear of his mother yet again. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a pretty Sheldon heavy episode overall, but they didn't overplay that card. He is probably the funniest character on the show, but this show has certainly been guilty of using too much of a good thing with Sheldon, and making it seem corny. Some good Leonard, Raj, and Howard moments watered down the Sheldon craziness and really made this episode.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the "Sheldon on caffine" scenes were a tad too predicatable. The scene of him as The Flash was worthy of a chuckle, but not really up to this show's standards. Also, the cold ending wasn't quite up to snuff either. Just a bit too over the top, even for the geeky friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, a solid episode. Not exactly on par with the Christmas episode, but certainly a solid episode. No drop down, roll on the floor laughs, but plenty of funny moments to fill the half hour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating: 4 out of 5</div>THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960875204182155228.post-70781277915977103612009-03-14T09:05:00.000-07:002009-05-08T10:45:48.652-07:00First Review on the new site: Watchmen ::Potential Spoilers, but I hope not::<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vJeqTq9e9Co/Sbvf9LebttI/AAAAAAAAAAc/fWRz0wSnTiA/s1600-h/watchmen.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 92px; height: 92px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vJeqTq9e9Co/Sbvf9LebttI/AAAAAAAAAAc/fWRz0wSnTiA/s200/watchmen.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313086427559081682" border="0" /></a><br />Did you really expect the first review to be about anything else? The hype (not to mention the mountains of litigation) surrounding this movie made many geeks, including myself, wary of this film. Then, tack on the fact that the source material is probably the most revered comic of all time. Sounds like a pretty hard mountain for the filmmakers to climb.<br /><br />Despite my own skepticism coming into the film, the film is fairly satisfying. Most importantly, the film does a fairly good job of capturing the atmosphere of the book. Without handing out spoilers to those of you who haven't read the comic, the depression, despair, alienation, and fear which permeated through the book translated quite well onto the screen.<br /><br />The film also captured the characters nearly flawlessly. This is especially true of Dr. Manhattan. Billy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Crudup</span> accurately portrays the aloof and self-centered yet deeply lonely nature of the former man turned god. The portrayals of Ozymandias and Rorschach were also particularly strong. The point/counter-point that these characters represent was vital to the comic, and the actors portraying these costumed heroes did a fantastic job of transposing that dynamic into the film.<br /><br />One major complaint about the film by many critics <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pertained to</span> the movie's score. Personally, I don't have any problem with the music choices. The inclusion of songs like "All Along the Watchtower" and "99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Luftballons</span>" merely added to the paranoia inherent in the story, while providing a concrete link to some of the time periods (albeit from an alternate timeline) referenced in the film.<br /><br />My main complaint is with the change the screenwriters made in the ending. I plan on making this blog a spoiler free zone, so I won't get into great detail about the changes. However, the conclusion of the master plan only presents us with a huge logical disconnect. Wasn't the supposed instrument of the plan in the film a known American? How would that be a means of uniting the planet? As far as I'm concerned, it would only make matters worse, by creating an environment of animosity against the United States.<br /><br />Finally, as with any film adaptation of a literary work, there were numerous side-stories and plot details that had to be left on the cutting room floor. I was disappointed that very little was done with The Minutemen, especially the hypocrisy in the expulsion of Silhouette, when Captain Metropolis and Hooded Justice were still members of the team. As the relationship between Metropolis and Hooded Justice was completely neglected, those who had not read the book were cheated out of a very deep and moving aspect of the story.<br /><br />Despite these concerns, the movie has probably done the best job it possibly could have in capturing the comic. In fact, this is unquestionably the most faithful adaptation of any Alan Moore comic. For that reason I recommend this movie to anybody who enjoyed the book. If you haven't read the book, I think you would be best served to get a copy of the book and read it before you see the film<br /><br />Final Score: 4.25 out of 5THE GEEKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03401071834588085643noreply@blogger.com