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Star Trek: The Cage (1966)
Never Aired, Yet This Is My Favorite Episode
I did a marathon through the original series but I have found myself the most drawn to this unaired pilot. Captain Pike seems a bit more human and acted better than Kirk's character. Speaking of Kirk, neither him nor any of the main characters appear outside of Mr Spock. The cast this episode includes is extremely lacking in diversity but does feature a female officer something supposedly groundbreaking at the time. The story feels more complex than what the series turned out to be. The talosians are my favorite alien out of all Star Trek. They have a presence of power and intrigue from their mind control powers and appearance. The music that plays as the Enterprise is sailing through the stars is beautiful and really worked. A lot of my problems in these shows are the technobabble (not full fledged Trekkie) and this opener isn't too heavy to take outside it's complex story something I really would like to see more of. Don't get me wrong, the cast of Scotty, Uhura, and Dr McCoy are so much better than these all white American folk but most of the actual original series I enjoy in a so bad it's good way. I also feel like they didn't get all the potential the original series characters did until the movies came along. This pilot right here is leaps and bounds better than anything in season 3 I'll tell you that.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)
Honestly, this is a little dry
I must say, why do we have be so... Well tired. What happened to our sense of humor? To be fair I didn't grow up on this. I didn't grow up on any Star Trek. I just ask that these people have a conversation. Let's talk about their flaws. One of them has to feel lonely occasionally right? Now I know, Data is an excellent character. He feels that he wants to feel emotion and my favorite episode is the one where he creates his own offspring. The episode is sad and I recommend it. Riker's smile is also a memorable sign of emotion. Everything else feels very monotone. The morals are there and it's cool but it's weird I am all about morals and truth and standing up to inspire but for that to be executed properly we must first explore the bigotry of ourselves. Simply stating a moral doesn't make it good writing. Good writing puts a twist on us. Another thing is the technobabble (I know I'm not a full fledged Trekkie.) Most of the Trek talk probably isn't even accurate so why put so much emphasis on it and just get to the story? I'm not a Trek hater I have my share of likes and this series has some notable entries. The one where Riker is convinced he lost his memory, Picard being there for that kid, the Yesterday's Enterprise. I like the actual character developments not the fake sciences. I mean absolutely no offense good Trekkies but remember a wise saying, "Opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one."
Battlestar Galactica (1978)
Good Story, Bland Characters
First off, don't write this off as a complete Star Wars rip off because Star Wars itself ripped off older movies. With that said, this show's storyline is pretty cool. These robots known as the cylons, constructed by an alien race, wage war against the humans. The human race consists of twelve colonies with a thirteenth colony said to inhabit earth. The humans were all wiped out in the war and all that remains is the colony residing on Battlestar Galactica. The Battlestar, whilst fleeing from the cylons, journey in search of the long lost planet earth to claim as their new home. The cylon's design and voices are frakking epic! What weighs it down? The characters. They just don't have much good interactions. The cutesy kid is annoying. Tragic things might happen and he still just acts like he's the most innocent thing in the world in the very next episode. The design of cylon, Lucifer, is especially cheeses out. The evil Boltar helps lead the cylons, as a traitor to the human race, and he is an amusing edition to the show. A bit too stereotypical in his personality but a menacing presence and helps add to the freshly cut cheese. The show has potential with it's storyline it just needed better writing and thankfully this show was rebooted in 2003 to make for a much better written program.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Nostalgia or Actually Bad?
Everybody that hates on this film always cites their reasoning as someone that grew up with the originals. But have we not heard the one that grew up on Episode I? (And IV, V, and VI) No they only liked it because they didn't know any better! They were kids they were stupid! It had no storyline! Granted, I have seen Red Letter Media and many others and I actually agree with their points. But there's one thing I would like to say to them. Episode I influenced me to be a writer. It can be told as a short story actually. I would run around with my toy lightsaber pretending to beat up battle droids and my mother would ask me, "Jimmy, do you want to be a Jedi when you grow up?" and I said, "No, Mommy, I want to be the guy that writes the stories." I'd learn new things and words from my mother explaining what was going on. The simple beginning where they just dash through the droids, the pod race was a favorite, as was the epic dual at the end. The sad truth is that you don't feel that way once you're older. You notice flaws and become more aware of the story. Look at it this way, every generation has their own thing. You had the original Star Wars, your fathers had the old westerns, their fathers had classic literature. The generation before doesn't get or like the next one. The reality is that they're all stories. Whichever one influenced you doesn't matter cause all good ideas come from somewhere. I was four years old when I said that I wanted to write. I'm eighteen now and that hope has never for a single moment left me. Cherish that, George Lucas.
The People vs. George Lucas (2010)
Not very insightful
This failed to capture the psychology of the fandom. It didn't specifically say what they disliked about the prequels just that "raped their childhood" like all the other thousands of online trollers out there. I could give more detail than what this had to offer. George Lucas initially wanted to do a remake of Flash Gordon, an old serial he watched when he was kid, but couldn't get the rights to it. So he set out to make his version obviously. He was inspired by the writings of Joseph Campbell. He was practically ripping off other movies such as The Hidden Fortress, Metroplis, and, oh yes, Flash Gordon. So you see I possess better nerd knowledge than what these losers (no offense) had to offer. This brings nothing new to the table and is just pathetic little rants. I will have to side with another user that reviewed this, go watch Red Letter Media. We will get so many more laughs than this. Hell, I'll even recommend a few others just to give them a bit more recognition. Confused Matthew offers a similar review through the films but doesn't have the crude humor that Red Letter Media has. Belated Media has a video called "What if Episode I Was Good?". And another called Auralnauts does a parody of the prequels where they dub over the character's voices and provide for hilarious interactions that are SO much more interesting than what the characters actually say. Check out any one of those four. They're all worth it if you're a Star Wars fan.
Fox News (1987)
Please! If you watch this.. Stop!
I urge you that if you want to see what's going on around the world GO around the world. If this interests you expand your interest! If you care so much to submit yourself to watching all these horrible sights going on out there donate to a charity, get a life, travel to England for sight seeing, learn how to be a firefighter, get a wife, get a girlfriend, get a boyfriend, get a pet fish! Just contribute to society in an actual meaningful way! Get your ass off your ass and go out there! I don't care what it is! Even if you are too lazy just watch something meaningful and uplifting! Watch something sentimental! Watch something that kicks ass! This is down there on the bottom of the barrel of stupidest things ever! Please! Just showing us what's happening doesn't for a second change anything! Making one friend is already making the world a better place!
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (2010)
An Escape From Reality
If you are looking for some family bonding then look no further. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is not overly girly. None of the ponies are stereotypical if you ask me. Sure they each have their own traits such as Rainbow Dash is a bit cocky and Apple Jack is a country girl. But you can't even use that as an argument cause they have such colorful personalities. Watch Pinkie Pie on YouTube sing Smile and tell me that doesn't make you happy! The humor is actually really cool. Apple Jack is boss and everyone knows it. Flutter shy is so innocent. Hey look, if you are a guy and you have a little sister feel absolutely no shame in watching this with her. It's 2014 you're allowed to bond with your siblings in special ways and this a creative way to spend time with her. Isn't the point of fiction to escape reality and to share thoughts on it? Fiction is supposed to depict what we want and we want life to be innocent like when we were kids.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
More Than Words
I don't know what this is about. My friend described this as having something to do with evolution and I guess it's possible it's about the transition. We're gradually seeing the next phase in where we're going. Apes to humans and machines to... the star child? I believe that's what Kubrick is going for. One thing that I liked about the film was that it doesn't use dialog all that much. That is a concept I'd like to see played with a little more. People understand everything through words. Words can affect you but what about the unheard feelings going on upon viewing? What do we feel when we see a friend drift helplessly into space? When a robot murders it's crew while in their sleep? Hell, what do you feel when you want the movie to get going? Well, if you're looking for a fun flick I don't recommend this at all. This is more like going to an art museum and pondering how somebody thought this up. I don't know if this is creative or not or if it deserves so much recognition. I'm leaning towards it does because I really want to see something that doesn't completely need dialog to carry out the emotions it wants you to feel. Boredom, helplessness, awe, intrigue. The film does carry all this out but do you care enough? Many directors did. Go look up online, I might do that. So I will leave off with give something with images and imagination if it's your thing. Even if it's not try giving a visual image of yourself to your friend.
Two and a Half Men (2003)
The Comedy of Macho Men
This show follows a drunk billionaire and his lonely pathetic brother and dumbass nephew, who will grow up to be even more stoned and pathetic than the two former. Charlie mostly portrays himself and relies constantly on titty flavored jokes while his brother spends his whole free time masturbating. While some good laughs may definitely emerge from both perverted and non perverted (call them as you will) viewers I personally don't see much appeal in these characters outside of their worthless jokes. Later episodes with Ashton Kutcher in the place of Charlie even more so rely on us laughing at the mention of balls and pot brownies (which the younger character is often stoned off of.) You might learn some facts from this such as there is not a single bone in the penis. If such knowledge interests you and all you want to hear is polluted sex and crap jokes than this is definitely a show for you. Crack up with balls in your mouth with this show if you like. There are some funny moments (I just don't remember any at the moment) so I will give this at least a 5 or 4 for having a somewhat amusing Charlie Sheen.
How I Met Your Mother (2005)
A Charmingly Funny Experience
A lot of criticism I will give comedy sitcoms is how predictable they are. This one though even if it is predictable (which it isn't) the characters are so wonderful. Now not wonderful as in they have blessed minds wonderful, I mean wonderful as in the characters are just people that you can just sit down and watch and laugh or just plain feel sorry for them. People hated the finale because they were so into and attached to the characters.
It's about a nostalgic New Yorker who sits his kids down and tells them the story of how he pined over chicks and how their Uncle Barney did so many chicks. To be more detailed, it's about a guy well recounting the story of he aspired for a love interest and how the love interest wasn't that far away to begin with. I describe it like that because, well, it takes nine seasons to get to the part where he actually meets their mother. The kids Uncle Barney is a womanizer times 69 who bangs chicks every other day (if even other.) He is the core appeal of the show. Try watching him while keeping in mind the actor that plays him is gay. It won't cross your mind. Even when the character gets sentimental towards his main love interest you can truly feel sorry and happy for him. The love triangle revolves around him, Ted, the main character, and Robin, the "one" that Ted sees at first sight but is constantly told by destiny that it's not meant to be. Barney, in his lady charm, sways her over to him in the most sincere ways (well, in thought.).
The other two main characters Lilly and Marshall are the definition of a not yet old old married couple. He couldn't leave her no matter how many times Barney offered to take him to the strip club. The mother character, once we get around to her, is adorable and cute and I may have a crush😚 (even if I don't do crushes.)
As for the twist in the finale, yeah, it was done really sloppy. The timing was, at least. But I honestly don't hate it because that was life.
SPOILER: Barney and Robin get divorced after three years, the mother dies, and Ted and Robin get back together. I don't necessarily like that, but that is kinda the point. You want people to get together and live happily ever after. Think of two people in real life you wish got together cause they were perfect. They just don't. It is sad. I don't like that they don't.
The point of the finale was to make you feel that. Neil Patrick Harris did a superb job of making you believe that was Barney's turning point. My criticism: I really do feel like he had a turning point before that. The Ted meets the Mother scene was fantastic. Perhaps perfect. Ted after having a good life, with the passing of his wife, holds that nostalgic horn up to Robin and... I smiled. I didn't like that was what happened. It was the story of how love isn't a choice and perhaps you can never truly let it go.
The Big Bang Theory (2007)
Sheldon is one of my favorite characters
In so many shows the premise basically amounts up to a buffoon wants to get laid. Sheldon is the embodiment of how much people really are stupid. He has no interest in the matter whatsoever and would argue that sex has not been upgraded to include the latest graphics and weapons that video games offer. Perhaps that's a bad example but he's so careless and devoted to his work. You stop and wonder why can't anyone in real life be that passionate about what interests them? But if none of that does interest you then the nerds next door neighbor Penny is a very nice sight to look at.😘 The show has gained a bit criticism for not showing the females into science fiction and role playing but it has shown their other interests such as a memorable scene where they talk about Neil Diamond. Another criticism is that the show is just poking fun at nerds not portraying them in a positive way. But that's humor. It's fun to see how much little things can get the nerds excited. One valid criticism is the jokes. The jokes and references really are lame and cringe worthy. The shows humor lies in their antics, I would say, not the references. The Indian character Rag is another highlight. His recurring story is that he literally cannot talk to women unless he has alcohol in his body. I really do wish there was more stuff about the nerds actually making inventions though or, at least, some good talk about recent shows that people are into. So with the potential and humor I'll give this a healthy 7.
Glee (2009)
Do not watch the fourth season
As I just noted by the title of the review, the fourth season is utter, utter manure. So why give it an 8? Well... I have a soft spot for the first season. Let me explain.
My mother and cousin were obsessed with this show.. They would watch downstairs and would laugh at what would sound like every scene. I told myself not to get swept into this one. But a new episode was coming on and my mother had to work. So my cousin told me to watch it with her. I agreed. I never was much good with decisions. The episode that aired that night was the Britany Spears tribute episode. I was thirteen. I was swept in for all the wrong reasons. I didn't see the gayness.
Gay being said, I did not know that much about what being gay was like. I can say that in this regard Glee is actually educational for adolescents. It gives a little bit of insight as to who can be gay and who just simply isn't and even if you aren't gay show a little humility. Go up and sing with your friends while they shove slushies in your face.
The main gay character could be categorized as a stereotypical homo with nothing else. In some regards that's true. But he is an iconic stereotypical gay character. He never feels fake like the "straight" characters do. He has the father son relationship talks, he feels out casted, he has his disappointments. This character bears no shame in how he is and feels no reason not to express himself in creative ways.
And on the educational manner, the character Finn could give Steve, from Blue's Clues, a run for his money in dopiness and mental dumbassness. Rachel is the one with the ego and the big dreams and is very apprehensive. The conflict between the glee teacher and the cheer leading coach is one where you can truly bask in the epicness just because of how serious they can take hair jokes.
My personal favorite character only makes appearances in the very early episodes. Sandy Ryerson is such a sadistic pedophile yet he's so helpless and hilarious. I'm serious. There is a gay pedophile in this show and even then they know how to have fun with this character. The comedy sometimes borders on cartoon logic considering the great lengths all these characters go through. For example, there is an episode where the Sandy Ryerson character and the cheer leading coach assemble a league of doom. The singing isn't as worthy of criticism as some might say.
There are definitely some stinkers in there, particularly in the third season. As much positive as I can say, though, this only applies to the first and maybe second season. The third is hit and miss with some memorable terrible characters in it but nothing in it compares to how shitty the fourth one is. The new characters are bland, painful, and all around maybe even offensive. Offensive to our intelligence is what I have to say about these latest seasons. With a cluster of repetitive story lines, very little consequences, and disturbing plot twists the whole season ruins everything the first one was about.
But I give it an 8 based on the first two and aspects of the third seasons. It loses all stars if taking into consideration the entire show but I'm soft and liked where they were initially going.
Star Trek (2009)
From a Star Wars Fan
I was originally under the impression that if you're a Star Wars fan you're not a Star Trek fan. It's one or the other. But this film changed my outlook and I have gradually become more interested in the Trekverse.
I came to realize these franchises are not opposites but complementary. Star Wars is a galaxy constantly at war so it has the better the special effects and action. Star Trek has the deeper story lines and characters. It is multiple galaxies trying to maintain peace. Star Wars is what we want and Star Trek is what we are.
The storyline in this film isn't too weird for Star Trek standards and it does take on more action and humor than usual to make it more accessible and a good spot to start for newcomers. The storyline, as described by my friend, acts as a prequel, sequel, and reboot all at the same time. It tells how Mr. Spock, from the future, goes back in time into a parallel universe altering history as Trekkies know it. We follow younger versions of Kirk and Spock. Kirk is more rogue here than his later self but still more or less the lady killer we know him as. Mr Spock actually taking a love interest is quite dumb but nothing seriously untrue of his character is done.
Many Trekkies disliked this film for straying from the philosophical feels of the original, but don't you want to convert at least a few non followers? The original series may seem a bit dull without a good solid introduction to the characters. To take one of their points, the story could be a bit more complicated and the villain could have been better but these are all small things that don't distract from a good science fiction flick.
I recommend Trekkies show this to any stubborn Star Wars fan that wants nothing to do with Star Trek.
Groundhog Day (1993)
A JPC Recommendation
Groundhog Day is my favorite film because it deals with every aspect of life. You know you've felt like it's the same thing everyday before. You wake up, go to school or work, usual usual, come home to usual usual. You can abuse this, make a joke of it, kill some people, or help some people. Depending on how you approach it is what this day is actually about. The story is not so seemingly deep or preachy in the film as I may make it out because it is also entertainment which is how things should be looked back on. The worst experience is the most experience. Bill Murray's deadpan sarcasm adds to the amusement of this experience. I give the film ten stars because only a few films anymore leave an impression on me in a certain way. You see so many films and you get so bored and down with everyday sometimes you need to watch some douche deal with the same problem only in this film it's literal. A JPC recommendation goes to any film that leaves an actual impression on me where most others did not. This ones amusing, sad with a sarcastic main character, with romance, and about a holiday that nobody cares for. If there was ever a film about having a positive attitude this one I recommend.