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prowlamongus
Reviews
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Not like the old, but not bad either
"The Day the Earth Stood Still" may not measure up to its 1951 counterpart, but it manages to pull off an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.
Die-hard fans of the original movie will notice actions and nuances, many of which were verbally explained in version one, to be noticeable but more guardedly presented in the remake. Viewing this film's predecessor adds dimension to the film not obvious to newcomers. A few borrowed lines and visual clues provide a link between old and new.
Of course, the current film is loaded with special effects and freshened up characters; unfortunately, many characters miss their mark. Most likable is the alien, Klaatu, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. As the messenger who is sent to warn the people of Earth their days are numbered, Reeves' character is diffidently aloof, yet one cannot help but like him. As we learn more about his character, we begin to understand his motives and the constraints placed upon him by the race that sent him. He assumes human qualities and the empathy he feels for humanity becomes obvious.
To its credit, the film has no sex, nor is there a blatant attraction between the two main characters. While a mutual respect exists between Klaatu and Dr. Helen Benson, his main earthly contact, viewers are not distracted from the film's theme and action by a faulty romance.
All in all, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is not going to rock anyone's world, but if watched closely, the message intended for humanity will become clear, similar to the warning given in the original version.
Dante's Cove (2004)
Dante's Cove - a more than fine attempt.
Make no mistake: Dante's Cove is targeted primarily for the gay male audience. Its young, cute, hunky and beautiful male actors aren't cast by accident. While their acting doesn't quite hit the mark, the main characters, Kevin and Toby, do well, and I suspect may improve further in the remaining segments. In their scenes together, they represent a plausible young gay couple in loverefreshing and what most gay (and straight) people need to see. Sure, the great bodies and handsome faces are wonderful, but we all want love, and this show provides the chance to vicariously jump head first into more than just sex.
For those not tuning in to see guys, take heart--there are lesbian scenes; beautiful, scantily-clad young women, and just a nice bunch of young people kind of lazing around white, sandy beaches doing what most of us would enjoy: not much and having a hell of a good time. There's also a strong Gothic and macabre element reminiscent of Dark Shadows from '70s television.
Roll all of the show's elements together, and you have an entertaining, albeit exaggerated plot, that adheres to the show's preternatural basis. Dante's Cove is not about BEING gay, but more pointedly that gay people find themselves in everyday AND extraordinary situations--trying to navigate life's labyrinth and survive (Wow! exactly like straight people do!).
Take a look at Here!'s new miniseries. This genre and its audiences are here to stay; get used to it, folks.