Becker is a staple in my 'TV diet', so to speak. It became my replacement for 'Seinfeld', with it's storylines that begin and finish neatly in each show, with a few exceptions. The show revolves around Dr John Becker (Ted Danson, also from another of my favourite shows, Cheers), an acid-tongued yet good doctor working in New York (I think) alongside his two assistants sarcastic Margaret (Hattie Winston) and the ditzy Linda (Shawnee Smith). There's a diner he frequents, where his friends the blind Jake (Alex Desert), and Reggie (Terry Farrell) work. Becker is obviously one of those guys who's sees the glass half empty. He moans over everything and wallows in self-pity. But he does have his moments where he does seem human. Ted Danson is perfect for this role. He has the appearence and personality of Becker done perfectly. The supporting characters are foils for Becker, and often hit back at him with some good comebacks. It's a great show, and I see it having a long run. 7 stars.
Reviews
9 Reviews
Moulin Rouge!
(2001)
Memorable
25 September 2001
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Moulin Rouge is truly all of what it seems. You really get hit by all the noise and colours in the first 15 minutes. Dancing, yelling, singing and chaos ensues, but after that initial burst, the film settles into the story. Christian (Ewan McGregor, looking every inch the soulful, sincere lover) is a penniless poet/writer who's moved to Montmartre to join in the Bohemian revolution. He falls in with a group of hardcore bohemians (led by John Leguizamo's lisping dwarf, Toulouse Lautrec) and somehow manages to fall in love with the Moulin Rouge's great courtesan, the beautiful Satine (Nicole Kidman, perfection personified in this), while writing a play for the famed dance hall. Intervention comes in the form of the Duke (a menacing Richard Roxburgh), who believes Satine is his property. Watch out for Jim Broadbent as Harold Zidler, owner of the Moulin Rouge, and a cameo by Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue as the 'Green Fairy' of 'Green Fairy Absinthe'.
The performances are strikingly beautiful, and everything each character says has meaning. The supporting characters are vital to the story, and in more than one scene they have a key role to play. That said, I think Moulin Rouge will begin a renaissance in musicals, and influence the way they're done for years to come. 9 stars.
The performances are strikingly beautiful, and everything each character says has meaning. The supporting characters are vital to the story, and in more than one scene they have a key role to play. That said, I think Moulin Rouge will begin a renaissance in musicals, and influence the way they're done for years to come. 9 stars.
Boston Public
(2000–2006)
Enjoyable
30 August 2001
David E. Kelley once again brings us a fresh, different look at a normal aspect of our society. He did it with Doctors (Chicago Hope), Lawyers (Ally McBeal and The Practice) and now he does it with teachers. The storyline is simple: The school year for the faculty in an American High School. But Kelley perks it up with spicy storylines and tackles issues that I know my teachers would definitely not talk about. But the teachers at Winslow High are different. Very different from your average teachers. Firstly, there's Principal Steve Harper (powerful performance from Chi McBride), who must deal with all the complaints, students and teachers alike, and deal with it the best he can. His vice is Scott Guber (a steely eyed Anthony Heald), a by-the-book sort of guy who tries to keep his emotions in check. Of the teachers, there is Lauren Davis (Jessalyn Gilsig), head of the social studies dept and nicknamed 'the nun' for her morals and values. Teaching geology is Harry Senate (Nicky Katt) whose unconventional teaching methods (ie: shooting a gun in class) has kept his students in force.
In the History classroom resides Harvey Lipschultz (Fyvush Finkel going spot on), the old, jewish History teacher who tends to put his foot in his mouth alot and Marla Hendricks (passionate performance from Loretta Devine), the pill-popping, wise-cracking one who keeps Lipschultz in check. In the English classrooms reside Marilyn Sudor (Sharon Leal), the sort of teacher that all the male students can't get enough of; and Milton Buttle (Joey Slotnick), the Shakespere loving yet somewhat insecure, nerdy guy. Also part of the faculty are Louisa (Rashida Jones), the secretary who keeps Harper and Guber on track during their busy days, and Kevin Riley (Thomas McCarthy), the football coach who loves to see his team win.
Besides what I've mentioned of the actors' performances, all the actors do a great job with their characters and what they go through. Episode 3 tends to stand out the most when Hendricks makes a passionate speech that sums up all the teachers want to say. I think if my teachers had the chance, I'm damn sure they'd say it.
I'll say it's kind of true to life, perhaps not as much happens in one school day in normal life though. But I still love watching it, and can highly recommend it. 8 stars.
In the History classroom resides Harvey Lipschultz (Fyvush Finkel going spot on), the old, jewish History teacher who tends to put his foot in his mouth alot and Marla Hendricks (passionate performance from Loretta Devine), the pill-popping, wise-cracking one who keeps Lipschultz in check. In the English classrooms reside Marilyn Sudor (Sharon Leal), the sort of teacher that all the male students can't get enough of; and Milton Buttle (Joey Slotnick), the Shakespere loving yet somewhat insecure, nerdy guy. Also part of the faculty are Louisa (Rashida Jones), the secretary who keeps Harper and Guber on track during their busy days, and Kevin Riley (Thomas McCarthy), the football coach who loves to see his team win.
Besides what I've mentioned of the actors' performances, all the actors do a great job with their characters and what they go through. Episode 3 tends to stand out the most when Hendricks makes a passionate speech that sums up all the teachers want to say. I think if my teachers had the chance, I'm damn sure they'd say it.
I'll say it's kind of true to life, perhaps not as much happens in one school day in normal life though. But I still love watching it, and can highly recommend it. 8 stars.
Charlie's Angels
(2000)
An enjoyable piece of fluff
14 April 2001
I went to see 'Charlie's Angels' out of interest after all the interesting coverage from the set.
The laughably complex plot seems to flow along well with the movie. I found it particularly funny, and enjoyed all the fighting scenes and the fabulous soundtrack.
The performances impressed me the most. Everyone looks like they're having fun, but my favourite was Natalie (Cameron Diaz). When she smiles, you can't help but smile along with her. I also admired that the girls also did all their own stunts, something not too common in films. And despite the rumours, Bill Murray and the girls had good chemistry and he proved an able sidekick to the girls.
With that said, I'll say four words: Bring on the sequel!
The laughably complex plot seems to flow along well with the movie. I found it particularly funny, and enjoyed all the fighting scenes and the fabulous soundtrack.
The performances impressed me the most. Everyone looks like they're having fun, but my favourite was Natalie (Cameron Diaz). When she smiles, you can't help but smile along with her. I also admired that the girls also did all their own stunts, something not too common in films. And despite the rumours, Bill Murray and the girls had good chemistry and he proved an able sidekick to the girls.
With that said, I'll say four words: Bring on the sequel!
The Mummy
(1999)
Leave your brain at the door
14 April 2001
While it's not going to be a film remembered in 100 years, this is still a enjoyable, if somewhat silly film that reminds me vaguely of Indiana Jones.
Brenden Fraser fills this 'Indiana' role perfectly, as Rick O'Connell, dashing, handsome, wisecracking, hero type who goes out to save the day. Joining him for the ride are Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), the pretty, smart damsel in distress; and Johnathan (John Hannah), the drunken, gambling, yet caring older brother/comic relief. And then there's Imhotep (Arnold Voosloo), the evil mummy, who's the villian of the piece.
The whole cast comes together well, and the plot, while laughable stays strong through the film.
Now that there's an imminent sequel coming, you should pretty much expect the same as the first.
Brenden Fraser fills this 'Indiana' role perfectly, as Rick O'Connell, dashing, handsome, wisecracking, hero type who goes out to save the day. Joining him for the ride are Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), the pretty, smart damsel in distress; and Johnathan (John Hannah), the drunken, gambling, yet caring older brother/comic relief. And then there's Imhotep (Arnold Voosloo), the evil mummy, who's the villian of the piece.
The whole cast comes together well, and the plot, while laughable stays strong through the film.
Now that there's an imminent sequel coming, you should pretty much expect the same as the first.
Contact
(1997)
Flawless
14 April 2001
I'll admit here that I'm a sci-fi junkie and I do watch them quite a bit. But Contact is perhaps the only film besides '2001' that made me think about what was happening above our heads. It also caused me to question how religion and science fit together.
It's also feasible. I think that the reactions to the signal and the worldwide coverage that ensued is very true to life, if it happened.
I loved all the performances in the film, particularly Jodie Foster's and William Fitchtner (Kent Clark) are extremely good. This caused me to question why this film was practically ignored at the academy awards.
Other aspects of the film, special effects (I particularly liked the opening scene), camera shots, perspectives, etc were also quite well done. I would give this five out of five.
It's also feasible. I think that the reactions to the signal and the worldwide coverage that ensued is very true to life, if it happened.
I loved all the performances in the film, particularly Jodie Foster's and William Fitchtner (Kent Clark) are extremely good. This caused me to question why this film was practically ignored at the academy awards.
Other aspects of the film, special effects (I particularly liked the opening scene), camera shots, perspectives, etc were also quite well done. I would give this five out of five.
Ally McBeal
(1997–2002)
One of my all time favourite sitcoms
14 April 2001
What can you say about Ally McBeal?
This show is probably one the most innovative tv shows of recent times. Dealing with life, love and everything in between, Ally and her colleagues are some of the most unique characters ever created, each with their own brand of charm and humour.
It's also, to some degree had a fair influence of society too, having us reconsider the life of the single man or woman, life in the workplace and what we want out of our lives.
I also think that Ally McBeal will go down in history as one of the more memorable TV shows in history. You can't get more memorable than dancing babies, Barry White, face bras and the husband cd, can you?
This show is probably one the most innovative tv shows of recent times. Dealing with life, love and everything in between, Ally and her colleagues are some of the most unique characters ever created, each with their own brand of charm and humour.
It's also, to some degree had a fair influence of society too, having us reconsider the life of the single man or woman, life in the workplace and what we want out of our lives.
I also think that Ally McBeal will go down in history as one of the more memorable TV shows in history. You can't get more memorable than dancing babies, Barry White, face bras and the husband cd, can you?
Frasier
(1993–2004)
The best TV spinoff in history!
14 April 2001
As a fan of 'Cheers', I was pleased to hear that Dr Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) would be getting his own TV show, though I suspected (like most spinoffs) it would last long. Boy, was I wrong!
Instead, we have one of the more wittier, funnier shows on TV at the moment. Niles (a well done performance here by David Hyde Pierce) and Frasier's barbs aimed at one another, and their arguments are extremely funny, since they are both such snobs. Their father, Martin (John Mahoney), a beer swilling, football loving ex-cop is the perfect foil to these antics.
The Niles and Daphne saga is also laughable, in the fact that Daphne (Jane Leeves) was blissfully oblivious to it for so long, and Niles was so desperately in love with her.
The supporting also put in their bit, doing it well also. My particular favourite is the food critic Gil (Edward Hibbert). The guest appearances are also play a key role in the show.
I expect this show to be just like Seinfeld in the fact that the creators will have the option to end it whenever they want to, since it's so successful. I for one, hope it will continue to give everyone a classically funny show that everyone will love.
Instead, we have one of the more wittier, funnier shows on TV at the moment. Niles (a well done performance here by David Hyde Pierce) and Frasier's barbs aimed at one another, and their arguments are extremely funny, since they are both such snobs. Their father, Martin (John Mahoney), a beer swilling, football loving ex-cop is the perfect foil to these antics.
The Niles and Daphne saga is also laughable, in the fact that Daphne (Jane Leeves) was blissfully oblivious to it for so long, and Niles was so desperately in love with her.
The supporting also put in their bit, doing it well also. My particular favourite is the food critic Gil (Edward Hibbert). The guest appearances are also play a key role in the show.
I expect this show to be just like Seinfeld in the fact that the creators will have the option to end it whenever they want to, since it's so successful. I for one, hope it will continue to give everyone a classically funny show that everyone will love.
The Thorn Birds
(1983)
A sweeping tale of love, tragedy, drama set across Australia and Europe in four decades.
14 April 2001
This is the 'epic' of mini-series. The powerful story of a man of god and the girl he couldn't have.
The performances in this were all excellent, especially Barbra Stanwyck as Mary Carson, the poor little rich woman. Richard Chamberlain made a dashing Father De Bricassart and Rachel Ward shone as Meggie. The only flaw was maybe Brian Brown (who later became Ward's husband), as a stereotypical macho man. But no matter.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll love the Thorn Birds.
The performances in this were all excellent, especially Barbra Stanwyck as Mary Carson, the poor little rich woman. Richard Chamberlain made a dashing Father De Bricassart and Rachel Ward shone as Meggie. The only flaw was maybe Brian Brown (who later became Ward's husband), as a stereotypical macho man. But no matter.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll love the Thorn Birds.
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