MarkOnline Reviews

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)

Worst, documentary, ever!

[1/10 · 21 September 2009]

Actually, to refer to this film as a "documentary" is too generous. There are already dozens of user comments on here that do a great job of nailing all the points on which this film fails. I just wanted to throw my fuel on the fire.

Throughout the film, images of Hitler and Nazis from World War II are shown to symbolize those who disagree with the Intelligent Design theory. For someone who, I assume, is trying present a thought- provoking argument in favor of Intelligent Design, it is atrocious that Ben Stein would feel the need to stoop to outrageous sensationalism and inflammatory references.

The film is also peppered with short, single-phrase sound bites from a variety of talking heads. These sound bites seem geared to showing the small-mindedness of those against Intelligent Design. But there is no context around these sound bites, and often the viewer is given no indication as to the identity of the speaker. Anyone can take a word or phrase out of context to suit their needs.

Bottom line, between the references to Nazi Germany and the chop-shop editing, this film isn't a discussion about the debate over Intelligent Design; it isn't a rational presentation of an argument for Intelligent Design; it is an immature rant by someone I had expected a whole lot more from.

The Adventure of English (2002– )

Like history? Like language? You'll love this series!

[10/10 · 1 October 2006]

Like the other reviewer, my TiVo "suggested" this for me, also. The most interesting thing about the series is how the history of the English language is nothing short of a history of Great Britian itself. From the Romans to the Vikings to the Normans, speak one sentence in English and you're very likely to unwittingly pay homage to all three cultures. The series not a dry examination of disassociated English words. It's a fantastic story of a people, their contributions to the language, and how their relationships to each other helped shape what is today the universal language of communication. That a DVD priced for private audiences is not available is inexplicable. I have never bought a DVD of a documentary before, but would not hesitate to buy this set were it reasonably priced for the private consumer.

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

I hope this show is kept

[27 September 2005]

I don't know if I have enough to say to fill up ten lines. I basically wanted to say that I think this is a funny show, and I hope the network keeps it. I especially like the twists and sense of mystery.

I've liked Alyson Hannigan for quite a while, and I think she's doing a great job in the first adult role I've seen her in (I can't believe she's already 31). I also think Doogie, I mean Neil Patrick Harris, plays his character really well. If you haven't seen him in "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle", you should. Josh Radnor also does a very good job in his first leading role.

I agree that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but I think this show has a lot of elements that make a good series: good plot, good writing, good acting, and attractive cast). I think previous series like "Friends" have raised the bar very high for new sitcoms, but I hope that even if a series isn't destined to become the next "Friends," it can still be recognized as a good and worthwhile sitcom.