MarleighV Reviews

V (2009–2011)

I am enjoying this

[8/10 · 17 May 2010]

I loved the original mini-series, not the horrible wholly forgettable TV series of V that came after the mini-series. So I knew that with today's technology, somebody surely could do a good job with this show. I was a little gun-shy with the premier. It was good, but as soon as I saw a visitor dating a human I said "Please for the love of God, no Star Child" like the original mini-series. Well we will just have to see if they completely blow it with this angle or if they do something intelligent with it. The premier like I said was good although I felt that they decided rather quickly to build a resistance and did it so quietly. After the hiatus though, things definitely got kicked into gear and now I can't wait to see every episode. I watch it after Lost even though it's on later and I am telling my friends about it too. The characters are good and the action is good. Hoping they will continue with no silliness and definitely no Star Child. If they can do that, then I think they have a hit on their hands.

The Invasion (I) (2007)

Just fine on its own

[7/10 · 2 September 2007]

Yes I have seen the original and the remake and now this re-remake and all three are good movies on their own. I went into this, foolishly listening to the critics and thinking it would be long, boring, tedious and a bomb. Well within the first few minutes my girlfriends and I were jumping, squirming and screaming in our seats. Even the original and the remake did not make me do that. It is a good story with the original creep factor but of course the Hollywood scares. Nicole Kidman as usual does a bang-up job. Besides Bewitched and Stepford Wives, this woman can do no wrong. This movie is intense, but it is an action film too. Please people, it doesn't have to be scientifically accurate. It's just supposed to entertain you, and it does. Go see it with your friends and have a good time.

First Born (2007)

Post Partum to the 10th power!!

[7/10 · 19 August 2007]

I don't understand why everyone is complaining. This film set out to creep you out, and it succeeds at that. It's a sad tale of self loathing actually, where a woman knows she is not up to taking care of a baby, especially by herself, but can't seem to ask for help, or when she does, she is dismissed as being overprotective or overreacting. Typical. The mood of the film is dark as is the beautiful house that it takes place in. And the feeling is one of isolation both physically and emotionally. This woman is on her own. Her own mother didn't come to visit because "she hates to fly". Well get a Greyhound ticket and come over. You don't stay away when your child has their first child. With that and a busy husband, you get the sense of this woman's struggle of feeling unfit, wanting to be a good mother but unable to because she can't sleep, she can't eat and when she does try to have a normal existence, she locks herself in the basement and can't feed her newborn baby. She can't even color her hair, something that women do everyday without mishap, but she can't seem to do it. The movie was great. Watch it at night by yourself. Elizabeth Shue's performance is gut-wrenching.

Living with Fran (2005–2007)

Pilot episode and bonus episode

[9 April 2005]

Well, I saw the pilot episode last night on the WB, and I have to admit, it's not that bad at all. In fact, I got quite a few laughs out of it. I knew I would have to concentrate on the episode itself so that I would not keep comparing it to the Nanny, but I think overall, it can be a good series. The boyfriend's acting does seem to be a little wooden. He seems to be stiff and nervous in front of the camera, but the son, the daughter, and Fran all seem to be at ease and determined to have fun. The bonus episode was really cute as the tension between Fran and Riley's mother builds. I think that if they just give "Riley" some better acting lessons, they might just be able to pull off another hit for Fran Drescher and crew.

Minority Report (2002)

Masterpiece

[28 July 2002]

Steven Spielberg has made one heck of a movie. The visuals are stunning, a very contemporary sleek view of the future. The storyline kept me interested from beginning to end (rare with long movies). It was everything too. It was suspenseful, scary, funny, heartwarming, sad and dramatic. It was such a fascinating movie and the ride only gets more intense. It is a very deep movie and some people may have trouble following it but if you don't think to much, you'll be all right because the master, Steven Spielberg, explains himself very well as he goes along. This is a 10 out of 10.

The Emperor and the Assassin (1998)

Simply wonderful!

[19 July 2002]

This is one heck of a movie. I'm not one for long drawn out epics. I waited five years before seeing Braveheart and thoroughly enjoyed that. This is just as intense but without all the violence and gore. It is a beautiful moving piece of art. The characters show many emotional depths without have to say too much. Gong Li is perfect as Lady Zahn and the assassin is so real as a man who is haunted by his past, once so bloodthirsty, and later redeemable, you can see where Gong Li's character would fall in love with him. It is a historical romance in a weird sort of way but it's like trying to describe a painting to someone. You just need to see it for yourself.

Men in Black II (2002)

Good follow up

[7/10 · 5 July 2002]

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It wasn't as action packed as the first one and since it's a sequel there were no real surprises but it was entertaining and very enjoyable. I gave it a 7 out of 10 simply because it seemed just a little bit slower than I expected but it was still lots of fun and I'm going to see it again.

Scooby-Doo (2002)

Too much fun!

[27 June 2002]

I expected this to be strictly for kids and totally slapstick like Home Aone or Nutty Professor. I was pleasantly surprised. I went with my dad and my husband instead of going with my son and we all agreed it was plain fun just like the cartoon. If you liked the cartoon and the zaniness and silliness that went along with it, then you'll like this. Just have a good time.

The Time Machine (2002)

Take me time and time again!

[22 March 2002]

I personally liked this movie. I guess I was able to because I didn't bother trying to compare it to the first one. That would be foolish as the first one is and always will be a classic work of art. so I think of this as a different twist on the same story, and it turns out to be quite entertaining. I loved the fact that he searches in time for an answer to a question that he as a mathematician should have been able to figure out, but I digress. It's not too heavy. It's just fun and if that's what you want, go see the Time Machine. My only complaint is that it did seem to short and Jeremy Irons scene was also too short. I would have liked to have seen more of him. But again, it's just a fun film.

The Land Girls (1998)

Quiet film but confusing

[13 February 2002]

I always love period dramas, especially films that focus on women and their friendships but this movie left me wondering what the point was after two hours. The three girls come to work on the farm with three totally separate personalities. You have Prue the party girl, Ag the uptight college girl, and Stella who is supposed to be the mainstay of the entire movie, the sensible one. In fact, it is Stella who narrates the movie and opens it with how she moved to the farm to help and be closer to her fiancee. So we establish that she's committed and in love with her fiancee, but within the first 30 minutes, she's falling in love with the farmhand Joe, even after saying how unspeakable he is, for no good reason. Worst of all, the reason is never explained on how she fell out of love with her fiancee and fell in love with Joe. And she seems to have no problem with Joe falling in love, or at least in bed, with everyone else around her. The movie did not make sense to me at that point. Still it is a quiet film with gorgeous English scenery and if you just want a movie that focuses on friendship, then this is the movie for you. I watched it once and that's enough.

Rat Race (2001)

Enough with those needing intellectual humor

[28 September 2001]

For goodness sake, it's a funny movie. It doesn't need to have political correctness or a meaningful ending. Just sit back and enjoy it because it is so funny. The ensemble cast did well, which is rare and everyone went through some type of screwball scene. I went into the movie expecting it to be a comedy which would get a few laughs out of me and that would be it. Instead, I laughed until I almost cried and I still laugh about some scenes two weeks later. So if you want something to crack you up, go see Rat Race and just have fun!

Planet of the Apes (2001)

Fun

[11 August 2001]

I enjoyed it. It had what it promised. It had action, great makeup and a very villanous character. Overall it was interesting and fun to watch. Grant it, it wasn't the best taht they could do with this movie but if you're looking for a fun action movie to watch then go see it.

Jurassic Park III (2001)

Better than the second one, as good as the first.

[7/10 · 20 July 2001]

Of course nothing could be better than the first one but this was on the same caliber as far as exciting dinosaur sequences. The characters in this one were a bit stale and the plot was a little embarrassing but overall if you would like to see an ACTION flick, then go see it. It was exciting from beginning to end the way it should be.

Evolution (2001)

Just what you need if you're in a silly mood.

[9 June 2001]

I already knew walking in that this was not going to be a brilliant piece of work. But I found myself enjoying it anyway. It definitely had its moments. Sometimes you dont' want to see something very serious or something that makes you think too much. I went into the theater in a silly mood and I got exactly what I needed. No more, no less. If you want to see something that's not heavy and will make you laugh at the wackiness and outrageousness, go watch it. It's worth watching once.