shondaranson Reviews

The Last Airbender (2010)

Killed in editing

[3/10 · 2 July 2010]

I've read a lot if harsh reviews - many valid - and think that they are probably the best part of this movie. I don't mind the pronunciation of the names because they seem less Americanized and more international. My biggest disappointment was the lack of whimsy. This is a fun series that draws readers and viewers into the world, and I feel there was only a glimpse in the film. Sokka and Ihro, who are usually comic relief were stone serious.

My kindest guess is that this movie was killed in editing. Some of the scenes that were kept made no sense while important things were rushed through in voice-overs. Who was the audience? If it was for fans, it disappointed. For non fans of the show, it was annoying and confusing. Don't they test these in front of audiences anymore? And whose idea was it to cast Aasif Mandvi as Zhao? I love him in the Daily Show, but I was just embarrassed for him.

Because I made my friends see this and they are mad at me, I now have to go to that angst-ridden Eclipse movie. Thanks a lot :(

Sydney White (2007)

Whomever told Amanda Bynes she was funny should be fired

[2/10 · 1 November 2008]

I rated this one better than awful because I liked seeing Jonathon from Buffy in something again -- even if it was the same role.

First, the concept is kind of cute for a short, but not an entire movie. The writing was forced and contrived. I have the feeling that the movie suffered the most during editing.

Second, Amanda Bynes always looks like her eyes are crossed -- even when she's not trying to do it. She's just not funny. She always plays some sort of misfit girl who triumphs by being herself -- ironic, considering Amanda seems to always be a caricature. I would actually like to see her in something serious. I really want to give her a chance, but she is always cast in these trite roles where she wiggles and makes faces and somehow that's a good thing?

Finally, the whole "I'm a Dork" segment was ripped off from Revenge of the Nerds. There was nothing in this movie that was unpredictable.

Shame, shame, shame.

88 Minutes (2007)

Skip this movie and save yourself 88 minutes of your own life

[1/10 · 1 November 2008]

This movie was like watching a Scooby-Doo mystery only less fun.

First, I think it would have been better with no-name actors in the roles. I guess they were hoping Pacino would draw, but his whole character was not only unbelievable, but his actions were completely ridiculous. But it's one of those casting errors that makes you know who did what by who was cast in the role.

Alicia Witt... well, she's cute, but she's a terrible actress. Sorry. The pinnacle of her career was Two Weeks Notice. At least in that movie, you didn't feel as guilty about being annoyed by her. She is not and never will be a female lead.

The direction was bad -- like watching Sam Rami and Mighty Morphing Power Rangers.

The only good part about this movie was seeing Stephen Moyer in black leather. Yummy. Of course, he was line poor.

Terrible.