Change Your Image
Starseneyes
Reviews
Danny Phantom (2003)
Loved it pretty much since the beginning..
I was a fan of Fairly Odd Parents, and when I saw the previews for Danny Phantom, I thought it would be a fun ride. Honestly, I did not like the first episode at all, but I kept watching, because there was something about this show that excited me. And I am so glad I did! This show is engaging on a level that surpasses Fairly Odd Parents in some ways. This show is more real-life oriented, despite its affair with the "Ghost World." The level of continuity in on-par with most adult live-action shows, and the layers of the show keep one watching and engaged.
This show has what few other animated shows do: an ever growing and adapting storyline. Half-human/half-ghost, Danny Fenton is an awkward 14 year old friend yearning for the attention of the local popular girl, Paulina. He spends his days trying to survive high school, and his nights fighting ghosts and protecting his city while attempting to avoid the radar of his ghost-hunting parents.
Any spare time is spent with his two best friends, Sam, a goth chick with conscious and consideration. She's a rebel, but also the most clear-headed of Danny's two best friends. Tucker is technology savvy, yet socially challenged. He and Sam closely guard Danny's secret. As does Danny's big sister Jazz, who is most accurately described as an overachiever who thinks she is an adult.
I love this show because there are so many overlapping story lines going on at once. There are romances, confrontations, loose ends that you know will someday be tied, and fun battle sequences, not to mention great humor.
Danny Phantom reminds me of the old Spiderman cartoons, because Danny always has a clever punchline when defeating his arch-rivals and stuffing them in the Fenton Thermos. Yes, it is a thermos that holds ghosts. Danny's parents are the most inept ghost hunters in the world (especially his father), but some of their gadgets are actually useful.
If you think that animation is only for children, I challenge you to give this show a chance. Yes, some of the humor is oriented towards the young ones, but like Fairly Odd Parents, there are many jokes that go over their heads, and a complexity that an adult can really appreciate.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2003)
A Show with Heart
I absolutely love this show, and have since it first aired. It's a show I can watch with my friends and family, and we all love it, not for the technical aspects of what is being done, but for the heart of the show, and the amazing gifts that are given to these people who deserve a little help and hope.
I sit here, and can list off the episodes that touched me, but we'd be here all night. Suffice it to say, these people come to burnt down homes, and rebuild. They come to homes where a children with cancer and diseases can't survive and make them livable. They've been to a home where a man tragically lost his sight in a pointless shooting, and gave him some independence. They did the same for a man who was partially paralyzed after a gang incident in his neighborhood when he got caught in the crossfire.
This is a show about hope and heart and love. The designers have such amazing hearts, and give these families homes that are functional and safe, and beautiful. It's not just about building a pretty house and putting up nails on the wall. It's a show about reaching out, about touching and changing lives.
Through their work, they give the gift of independence, they allow families to stay closer together, they give hope to the ill, the hurt, the disabled. I tune in every week because it humbles me to see what these people go through, and I remember how wonderfully I have it. Seeing this show is a reminder that yes, terrible things happen to wonderful people, but sometimes, some good can come out of it. Someone else can come in, and bring some love, and some hope. Sure, it's in the form of a house, but it represents more than that for the family that lives inside it.
I love this show. I love the moments when the crew stops and Ty reminds them why they are there. I love when Preston and Paul research whatever room they are designing. I love when Connie and Paige get so wrapped up and knee-deep in what they are doing. And all the other designers bring such a life and a hope to this show.
If you have never seen it, it is worth seeing. No, it is not a "how to" show about building and designing and carpentry. It's a "how to" show about sacrifice, and selflessness, and demonstrating love towards perfect strangers. That's the heart of this show.
Joshua (2002)
Amazing
That's the one word to describe what was an amazing movie. I watched it last night on DVD with my family, and it was phenomenal. The script allows you to bond with the characters, to grow to love them, and to care about them. The visuals are amazing, and the acting spectacular. It's just a really great movie and I wish I had seen it in theatres. I was completely blown away, and hope to see the movie again!
The character Joshua is just amazing, and wonderful portrayed by the actor. It was a great job. I had tears rising to my eyes in parts, and laughter spilling out of my mouth at others. The music was great, and the message phenomenal. From my point of view as a Christian it was just amazing. The little symbols throughout the movie were amazing. The heart, the glass. It was all just amazing. The healings of so many people's hearts, minds and souls. It was just amazing.
Please see this movie. You are truly missing out if you don't. I've seen some Christian movies, and this one is the best I've seen yet. It just touches your heart and soul in so many ways. God's love is so awesome!
It's a movie that everyone can appreciate and enjoy, and it doesn't utilize violence, sex, drugs, or explicit language to accomplish that. I love this movie, and I hope you will too!
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force (2002)
Good. Not Great, but good.
I JUST finished watching this movie about ten minutes ago. It's been a while since I've seen the first movie, or finished reading the tenth book, let alone the first or second. I believe I finished those in early April 2002, so it's been a while! Nevertheless, I enjoyed this film. I was extremely happy to see the scene at the Steele house with Buck and Chloe figuring out their misunderstanding, and the cookie scene!!! If I remember correctly that scene was meant to be in the first movie, but I'm not sure. It's been so long!
It was a good movie. I agree that it wasn't as fast-paced as the first movie, but I found myself excited and caught up in some of the smaller stories, especially that of Chris. His story seemed so real to me, and as I watched him twirl that gun I called out to Rayford "hurry up!"
The acting in this movie was phenomenal. I understand that due to time constraints and complexity the movie couldn't stick exactly to what the book had detailed. It was still a good movie on its own. The acting was wonderful, truly great. The plot dragged a few times, but was still good. The emotions were phenomenal.
I was a bit confused by the angelic woman though. I understand what she represented, but it seemed a bit un-natural. I did enjoy the dream sequence though, and Rayford tearing down the pictures of his family because it hurt him so badly. That was so close to my heart, having seen a family member go through that process.
It was a good film. I do recommend renting it, because it's a true joy. Though the movie has its flaws, it's still a solid movie. You begin to develop a relationship with the characters as they develop relationships with one another. I'll rate it a 7 or 8 out of ten. It was perfect, and had flaws, but still a solid movie.
Alias (2001)
Rockin'
That one word sums up my emotions towards this show. I was (unfortunately) not a viewer of this show from day one, but quickly caught on and caught up. The characters are fun and animated. The relationships are seemingly real, and the acting is phenomenal. Michael Vartan is an actor that I have followed since "Never Been Kissed," and I was thrilled to see him in a series role. I am equally pleased about Victor Garber's role as Jack Bristow, the father of the lead character Sydney Bristow. His emotions are realistic and captivating. I find myself drawn into scenes with Mr. Garber and Jennifer Garner. The father/daughter dynamic is so wonderful, yet so unique to the two who are bound by blood, yet foreign to each other. The acting of Ron Rifkin as the detestable Arvin Sloane is also enjoyable to watch week after week. Overall, a great cast, terrific dialogue, fun scripts, and lots of butt-kicking equals a rockin' rockin' show!
The Dead Zone (2002)
Highly Enjoyable
I eagerly awaited this series, and was not let down by the pilot. It was intriguing, fun, sci-fi, romantic, energetic, and pleasing to watch. I found myself immediately drawn to the lead character, Johnny. Anthony Michael Hall's portrayal of the wide range of emotions that Johnny has in this single episode is believable, and entertaining. I enjoy this show, and plan to continue watching it, not just for it's story and wonderful actors, but also because of the able and extremely talented writing staff that is on-board for this show. Here's to a great first season, and many more to come!