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Popular (1999)
"Popular" Looks to Become Popular
At first, "Popular" starts out like your basic teenager show (the popular cheerleader dating the quarterback, etc.) but thankfully, there's more to this show.
"Popular" is an excellent look at the highs and lows of high school life. The part of Brooke McQueen (played very well by Leslie Bibb) demonstrates how one's popularity can mold you into a certain persona and cause you to be misunderstood.
The show isn't without its faults, however. Sam, the other protagonist in the story is irritatingly whiny about her views towards the popular crowd. Although her intentions and personality are good, she unfortunately becomes more irritating than likable. Also, the show's Ally McBeal-like elements simply don't work, they come off more as stupid rather than funny and/or silly.
Despite these faults, "Popular" has a good chance of becoming a regular (a la Charmed or Buffy). All it really needs are a few tweaks and tune-ups and the show will become yet another destined for TV WB hit.
The Avengers (1998)
Not As Bad Critics Make It Out to Be
Okay, so The Avengers wasn't exactly the glitzy kick rear end action flick it was supposed to be. Neither was it the horrid, messy fiasco that most critics made it out to be.
Uma Thurman is not half bad as Emma Peel even if she barely appears in her notorious catsuit. Ralph Fiennes plays John Steed with grace and coolness and Sean Connery isn't too bad himself as Sir August.
Sure the movie has some odd and/or silly things in it (the teddy bears) but it all adds to the comedic element of the movie and it does a decent good job of it. Besides we all know that the REAL reason we went to go see The Avengers was simply to check out Uma in the catsuit.
The Matrix (1999)
Interesting and Thought Provoking
The Matrix is a movie that has done its "historic homework" (so to speak) and has given us a frightening view of the future if we continue to depend so much on computers. The special effects are top notch, especially during the fight scenes and so is the acting. Newcomer Carrie-Anne Moss delivers the role of Trinity with enough attitude and sympathy to fit the part perfectly. Keanu Reeves improves his somewhat hit-and-miss resumé with another gem and excellent role (as Neo) that will open more doors for him and perhaps give him more respect as an actor. Finally, Laurence Fishburne gives his role as Morpheus enough seriousness and intellect to once again display his broad range of acting ability. Overall, The Matrix is a sci-fi romp "think" flick that deserves not to be missed.
Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation (1986)
Excellent Kid Movie
The second Care Bears movie is immensely better than its predecessor. It has a deeper plot, better character development, and the tunes (especially the closing song) are both catchy and warm-hearted. Sure the movie tends to over stress caring but come on, it IS a Care Bears movie. This movie is a great picture to show to kids because it emphasizes friendship, love, and again, caring. Not to mention the Care Bears are just too adorable!
Boy Meets Girl (1998)
Cute Italian Romantic Comedy
Although a few scenes in this movie make no sense (ex: Angeline speaking English), Boy Meets Girl is a cute 'Cinderella' sort of retelling with catchy music and lots of comedic scenes. After watching this, you'll once again see that love really does conquer all.
Evita (1996)
A Musical and Visual Masterpiece
Madonna's performance as the notorious Eva Peron is truly stunning. I never knew she could act so well! Her voice adds the emotion and flair to the role of Eva and Antonio Banderas as her conscience really adds to the storytelling. Best of all, the excellent music tells the story fluently and gracefully.
Lost in Space (1998)
Not as Bad as the Critics Made It Seem
I saw LIS in the theaters because I admit that all the little special effects during the previews were what caught my interest most. When I finally saw it, I found the movie to be rather good. The only two things that I found kind of bad in the movie was Matt LeBlanc (he tries to hard to become the tough superhero type) and Gary Oldman (I didn't sense the least bit of evil in him until he turned into the big spider like thing around the end).
Besides that, the acting was decent along with the script and the story has a somewhat nice touch to it, emphasizing togetherness in the family despite whatever problem may be occurring. The film's real strong points however, are all the really cool special effects and the awesome soundtrack. But like I said, it's a decent movie to go see if you just feel like watching something because it's not AS bad as the critics made it seem (that's why I never believe them).
An American Tail (1986)
An Epic Animated Masterpiece
Indeed, An American Tail is a heart-warming and charming movie that includes all the elements that an animated movie should have. I first saw this movie when I was a child and even today, it's still as beautiful as it was back then. You'll laugh, cry, and feel for the adorable Fievel in this movie. If there's a movie you'd ever like to show a child, this is one of the best selections.