Ernst-2 Reviews

Rules of Engagement (2007–2013)

A Pleasant Surprise

[7/10 · 6 February 2007]

Generally speaking, the plot was much better than I was expecting. The laugh track was a bit annoying at times and did tend to get in the way; however, there were enough real chuckles in this episode to make up for it. My biggest surprise was finding some of the best lines and situations were not shown in the trailers. Spade, in particular, was not presented in the best light in the earlier promotions, but his character comes across quite well in the pilot. There is is enough eye-candy to please almost anyone and all the regular characters seem up to the task ahead of them. Now, if the writers can just live up to what they have begun.

The Unit (2006–2009)

What a shame!

[16 March 2006]

I had to miss the second episode so maybe it did get better. However, the first show was a major disappointment. Being a Haysbert fan I was expecting much more.

Surely, the storyline could have been more believable. Case in point: The confrontation between the FBI and the "Unit" at the airport. The episode showed the former to be completely ineffective "wusses." In reality, there would likely have been a full-fledged confrontation between the two groups -- and if the FBI had blown away the "Unit," I feel their action would have been justified. After all, the latter had no authorization whatsoever.

Dangerous Cargo (1996)

You must be kidding!

[3/10 · 15 April 2003]

Five people actually gave this a rating of 10? They must have worked in/on the movie or be related to someone who did. It is a mix of bits and pieces using limited sets and wandering dialogue. People and events come and go with no connection to the story. Either much of this film was left on the cutting room floor, or the writing was sadly lacking.

Basically, a Russian in the U.S. illegally is blackmailed by Russian mobsters to help smuggle American dollars back into the former USSR. He falls in love with an older woman in the states, but cons her into helping finance (unknowingly, of course) his little adventure. She borrows on home and business to get 100 grand. Now the loan is due and she and a friend (Hemingway) fly to Russia to try and retrieve the missing cargo of Winter coats (which had been used to transport the illegal currency).

Nothing makes much sense. The two ladies hold weapons like amateurs, yet manage to outshoot the Russian mobsters. Alexi's stories of a wife in Russian and a girlfriend in Siberia are without meaning.

If you have nothing better to do on a Saturday night and have plenty of alcohol on hand, you may want to give this a try. The gunfight scenes are at least hilarious. I gave it a 3 out of 10 and that was pretty generous.

Tarzan's Revenge (1938)

A 'must see" for Tarzan buffs

[5/10 · 30 March 2003]

If you grew up with Johnnie, Lex, Gordon and Jock Tarzans, then you really owe it to yourself to see this one. You would be crazy to miss it; however, you would have to be even crazier to watch it a second time. It is really bad! I rated it a "5" on a nostalgic sympathy vote, which in one higher than the largest group of voters gave it. Seeing a different Tarzan makes the viewing worthwhile, but personally I am glad he never reprised the roll. Eleanor Holm was cute in the main female role, but my favorite was catching Wild Bill Elliott in a bit part as a ship's captain. He definitely paid his dues before starring later as a western hero. You'll recognize his voice before his face. Most of the movie is used showing one character or another going through the jungle (a studio backlot) with cuts to shots of various wild animals. Basically, thirty minutes of story and forty minutes of filler.

See it once.

Practical Magic (1998)

Worth seeing once.

[6/10 · 16 February 2002]

This film is definitely worth seeing once, but that is about it. It is cute, but unfortunately also forgetable. It does have it's moments, but it is not "Witches of Eastwick." I really did like the old house, however.

Virus (1999)

Sorry, Jamie. I didn't like this one.

[4/10 · 2 March 2001]

I bought this video because I am a Jamie Leigh Curtis fan and the video was only $5.95. I still lost. Not even Curtis, Baldwin, and Sutherland could save this one. It is definitely worth a ninety-nine cent rental some night when you don't have anything better to do, but that is about it. I am very glad I watched it on video where I could make frequent use of the fast-forward button.

Ed (2000–2004)

Give me a break!

[28 January 2001]

Carol Vessey (Ed's interest?) grew up in Stuckeyville and never learned to ice skate? Sure, and I'll bet she never threw snowballs or made a snow angel, either. If she needs Ed to give her skating lessons, she must be using a "helpless female" trick on him. Give me a break!

The President's Man (2000 TV Movie)

A new pilot?

[7/10 · 10 April 2000]

A better than fair adventure film, but about halfway through I had the feeling I was watching the pilot for a new TV series. This would not be too unfortunate since it beats much of what is already being seen.

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Musically a loser

[7/10 · 22 November 1999]

This is the weakest musical score of any Bond movie to date -- nothing at all memorable. I wonder if they were just trying to cut expenses? Remarkably enough, they still haven't run out of new gadgets. Plenty of action, but occasionally too drawn out. The premise had promise, but the script was weak in accomplishing it. Brosnan good, but appears to be aging less well than Connery or Moore.

Jesse (1998–2000)

2nd Season: A BIG Disappointment

[1 October 1999]

I was a big fan of "Jesse" from the first episode I watched. That, however, was in season one. This season those with nothing better to do decided to "fix it," even though it wasn't broken. The new season opener has dropped her Dad and two brothers from the cast (no explanation) and added two co-workers at her new job. In short, the season opener was lame the second episode even worse. I will watch a third time, but if the show doesn't improve, I'm out of here.

Ladies Man (1999–2001)

What a disappointment

[25 September 1999]

I was looking forward to great things from this series. Unfortunately, I found nothing even remotely funny from the first episode and at times I even felt uncomfortable. And there were so many great opportunities in the story. What a disappointment.

Species II (1998)

Bad, but not awful

[5/10 · 1 January 1999]

Seen it, over it. This was a bad movie, but not quite as bad as some earlier commentaries. I wasn't expecting Shakespeare. I wouldn't waste time seeing it again, but it did have a few good moments. I am glad I didn't pay theater price.

Raven (1996 Video)

Really bad!!!

[1/10 · 1 January 1999]

I am definitely a Burt Reynolds fan, but sorry, this one really stinks. Most of the dialogue is laughable and the only interesting plot twist is in the last five minutes of the movie. I can't believe he even made this one. Is he actually that hard up for money?

Pocahontas 2: Journey to a New World (1998) (V) (1998 Video)

I enjoyed "Pocahontas II" more than most...

[5 September 1998]

I enjoyed "Pocahontas II" more than most recent animated sequels; however, I was disappointed in the thoroughly forgettable music and the lack of character/voice identification in the closing credits. I not only like to know who supplied the voices, but also which of the characters received their talents. Some I can guess, but others are still questions.