Green Lantern

Green Lantern (2011)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


The acting is mediocre, the special effects are average and the story itself doesn't have much depth. The humor falls a little flat and overall the movie is predictable. If you love Marvel, you're still likely to enjoy this as a stand alone film. By far not their best work as far as movie adaptations go though. Rather disappointing as this had been the Marvel film my husband was looking forward to the most this year.

In Death 1: Naked in Death

In Death 1: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was my e-book selection; reading mostly when I was in waiting offices or delayed somewhere to pass the time. Got so good that I ended up putting aside my other book this week to focus on finishing this. Eve and Roarke make a very interesting couple. Eve is a cop, normally cool and collected with repressed memories of her own traumatized past and no recognizable link to her true identity before entering the system. Roarke was a kid from the wrong side of the tracks who remade himself into one of the most mysterious and successful business tycoons around. Brought together by a high class case Eve is heading, these two have a very unique dance as they decide just what to do with each other. Definitely looking forward to more as this pair unfolds.

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Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is my favorite of the Star Wars films. Except for the fact that we lose Yoda and Vader has to die after just getting his son back. Han and Leia finally figure out what they want together, Luke and Leia learn of their relationship as estranged twins. The group manages to save Han from Jabba the Hutt. Emperor Palpatine finally fails and the Death Star is destroyed. Especially like when Vader makes the final choice to stand by his son rather than Palpatine. Luke seeing Anakin with Obi-Wan and Yoda at the end of the film is a nice touch. I found it interesting that the special edition changed Anakin to his younger appearance from the prequel trilogy instead of the older version that lived behind the mask who we actually see speak to Luke before his death. Of course, who couldn't love the ewoks? They were originally responsible for my interest in these films as a child; what kid wouldn't want to see more teddy bears? One of my dad's favorite films, it quickly joined my list as well.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If there is one thing I will give the special edition releases, they do make the ice monster and Cloud City scenes much better over the confined and shortened segments in the original release. This film also introduces the ever popular Yoda along with the over-quoted "Luke, I am your father" scene. The only time you'll see Emporer Palpatine is via hologram. Otherwise this film is largely about Luke's training and family revelation while Darth Vader is more determined than ever to make his son his own pawn in the Empire.

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

My rating: 4 of 5


As far as technique goes, this is obviously an older film, even with the new remastered "special editions." Blue screens and scene changes are more obvious, especially with opening doors and lightsabers turning on or off. Still, the film is a classic. Good story line, interesting characters, and the actors really get into their roles. My first experience with this film got me as far as Darth Vader's grand entrance on Leia's ship before I ran out of the room screaming that I'd never watch it again. Pretty sure that got retracted as soon as I caught sight of the ewoks in The Jedi Returns. This original trilogy has made my list of favorite films ever since.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


So much for superior senses and reflexes. The council fails to see Palpatine is the Sith Lord they've been searching for or sense the imminent threat posed by the very same troupes they lead into battle. Unfortunately this failure nearly wipes them out save a few survivors (Obi-Wan & Yoda) along with bringing about the birth of Darth Vader and the Empire. It was interesting seeing Chewbaca back again as he guards his home planet with Yoda. Padme's death marks the birth of the twins, Luke and Leia, our more well known heroes from the original trilogy. We also see the beginnings of the Rebellion as Senator Organa takes in little Leia after rescue those few he can from the Imperial clutches.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


In line with the later released Episode I, the technology is more advanced, the backgrounds are more detailed, there are more species than ever, yet it supposedly takes place before the original series. R2-D2 can not only hover as he does in the original series, but actually flies through a production center on his own. A little more grown  up this time, Anakin and Padme must now decide if it's worth the risk to be together. Introduce Jengo Fette's clones and the creation of the Empire, though no one realizes that is what happens when they give emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine. Padme's outfits were also designed by George Lucas himself and many leave you cringing or wondering just how they stay on. The one part of this film that is probably overly popular and a major crack up is Yoda going ninja-Jedi at the end; you won't want to miss that. If you don't mind the inconsistencies, it's a decent film.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Decent as a stand alone film, though not as good as the original trilogy. This tale takes us back to the beginning of the saga when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan meet young Anakin Skywalker for the first time. Anakin/Padme is certainly an odd pairing given their vast age difference, not to mention life experiences. Sadly the technology in this "prequel" seems more advanced than from the original set that takes place years later.

The Spirit

The Spirit (2008)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Written by Frank Miller, author of 300 and Sin City, this film is based of yet another old comic strip. Done largely in muted colors with Spirit's flashy red tie, it's a bit different than what you might expect after all of Marvel's more recent high color and fast action films. The acting is more mediocre and the film is slower paced with pauses throughout the film that lend to it's older nature rather than just being awkward. Originally published in newspapers, the original comic can now be found in some of DC's collected works.

Shark Tank

Shark Tank (2009)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Some of the ideas presented are very clever and definitely could go places. Others are more the product and not a standing business to be invested in. Those left might leave you wondering on some level. Five sharks listen to your presentation before asking questions, haggling if they want it and making the final deal. Some will walk away unsuccessful, but others walk away with a surprising amount of support or help.

101 Ways To Leave A Game Show

101 Ways To Leave A Game Show (2011)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


A combination of Fear Factor and a quiz show, the prize is $50,000. The cost of guessing the wrong answer is a quick eviction from the game in a a most unusual form. Exploding boxes, dropping off a moving truck, strapped to the top of a plane, a race car on fire, the options are endless and terrifying. Even with a high cash reward, it's hard to believe many people would sign up for this type of insanity; especially if they've seen the show before. The host seems to have a perverse pleasure in setting off the torture that makes one wonder just how sane he is.

Spider-Man 3

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Not sure they could have crammed anything more into this movie if they had honestly tried to. Gwen Stacy, Eddie Brock, Sandman, Venom, Green Goblin, MJ losing her job, and all intermixed with Spidey's own ego and emotional roller coaster. About the only thing they could have done to put this even more over the top is to bring back Doc Oc or introduce Carnage. Peter makes bad choice after bad choice, totally missing the bigger picture and what he's doing to those who are truly his nearest and dearest. Not the best as a stand-alone movie and honestly the worst of the trilogy. Doesn't surprise me much that they decided to relaunch after this disaster in action.

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Admittedly I like this one better than the first. The dynamics between Peter and Maryjane are more intense than ever. Peter must make the ultimate choice between his dedication as Spider-Man and his own life as Peter Parker. The train scene especially makes this movie for me. There is something about the support and conviction of the passengers in the train that just makes it all seem worth it. Maryjane's revelation escaping Doctor Octavius is pretty good too. Not so thrilled with the climax where Harry learns the truth, but that was bound to go badly with this script no matter what. Overall, my favorite of the trilogy.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man (2002)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


As with most of the adaptation films, this is good by itself but does not follow the original story line completely. There are even parts of the film (like webs shooting directly from his wrists instead of the mechanical bracelets he constructs in the comics) that have been adapted in a different way to change the original story line. If anything it would seem that the film should be written to match the original story rather than the original being changed to match the film. This first story is Spider-Man vs. the original Green Goblin as he struggles to determine just who Spider-Man is and what this dramatic change will mean for his future.

X-Men 3: The Last Stand

X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


As a stand alone movie, this is decent. As part of the X-Men saga or the phoenix arc, it is a major letdown. Magneto forms an new Brotherhood larger than the original Brotherhood and Morlocks combined to take out Leech, the mutant Warren Labs is using to create their "cure." Jean has lost herself the side of her called "Phoenix." Instead of being a separate energy from the Shi'ar empire, this version resides in Jean's subconscious, previous locked away by Xavier's power and released due to the events on Liberty Island in the first film. As Phoenix, not only does her control fluctuate exponentially, but she kills two of the people closest to her in the process. Now it's left to the rest of the team to stop Phoenix, put an end to the Brotherhood, and each of them to decide just how viable the cure may be for themselves.

X-Men 2: United

X-Men 2: United (2003)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This film is a fun addition to the X-Men series as you get to see more familiar mutants, including Colossus, who were previously missing in the roster. Wolverine is back one again, still trying to find his past, but also protecting the students at the same time. Only this time, the threat is his past as William Striker launches a full assault against mutants everywhere. Marsden puts on another great performance as Cyclops, showing plenty of emotion while his eyes are still covered by those red lenses. Jean shows some definite signs of the Phoenix entity, including hints of a resurrection at the end. A decent set up for my favorite arc.

X-Men

X-Men (2000)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


If you are attached to the original comic story line, or even the old cartoons, this movie will likely drive you crazy. Ages and relationships shift all over the board as this group of misfits hits the big screen. Sometimes I feel a little sorry for Rebecca's costume (or lack thereof) playing Mystique. The triangle between Scott, Logan, and Jean is as good as ever. Bantering between Cyclops and Wolverine especially is entertaining. Decent set up at the end for the Phoenix saga, though the likelihood of the entire space escapade was low from the start. Overall decent and enjoyable.

Burn Notice

Burn Notice (2007)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I always love listening to the set up description in the beginning credits. A trigger happy ex-girlfriend, a friend who spies on you, and family that can't seem to keep their noses out of things. This unlikely set of friends and family keep Michael alive, help him with odd jobs (usually more dangerous than not), and help uncover why he was burned in their effort to reinstate him. Supposedly starting with a clean slate for the first time in the next season, it will be interesting to see just what Michael decides to do and just how far Fiona will follow him.

Daredevil

Daredevil (2003)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think this was one of the first films I saw with Jennifer Garner after watching her on Alias. The CG is rather obvious, especially in the church fight. Not as high on action as some of the other Marvel films, but still a decent rendition of a comic adaptation. I can't decide if I like Daredevil/Elektra or not, but it did add a little drama and romance into the mix rather than just Murdock angst. Part of me actually really wishes there would be a decent sequel to this after Murdock finds Elektra's necklace on the roof. Elektra's spinoff film doesn't really do justice to not only her own fate, but the budding relationship in this film as well.

Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider (2007)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Meet Johnny Blaze, stunt rider and dare devil. He leaves his past behind after his father's sudden death and his own secret signing with the devil. Now he must struggle with what he's becoming as he tries to fight back for the love of his life and his own shaky future. Not the best as far as detail and story line, but good on the CG. Hope you like flames because there are a  lot of them in this adventure.

Hidalgo

Hidalgo (2004)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Meet Frank Hopkins and his incredible mustang express pony, Hidalgo. No longer in the service and living with the guilt of his mixed Indian heritage, Hopkins drags his champion with him through the circus. Hidalgo proves when he's had enough though and the race of a lifetime drops in their laps - an endurance ride across the unforgivable desert. The stakes are the title of the best and a rather impressive purse to turn anyone's head. Follow them across the desert as this pair learns just how much heart is left in them after all.

Morganville Vampires 3: Midnight Alley

Morganville Vampires 3: Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Life really went crazy on me, making it seem like it took forever to get through this book. Once I actually had some uninterrupted time to focus on it though, I flew through it. Very glad to see some real development with Claire and Shane. Also happy with Myrnin's developments. Interested to see if they do or say anything more with Bishop now that he is infected. Installing a new equality system will keep things up in the air and interesting for awhile if nothing else. Looking forward to the next set.

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Marvel Cinematic Universe 02: The Incredible Hulk

MCU 02: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Still a little off on the CG, but a far cry better than the original Hulk from 2003. Focusing more on Banner and Betty along with the fight to find the cure, this film seems more true to the original comics and Banner's struggle with his alternate persona. Tim Roth as Blonsky makes me miss Lightman from Lie to Me, but he puts on an excellent performance as the crazed soldier determined to gain Banner's strange power for himself. Tony Stark showing up during the credits doesn't hurt in making the film a little more fun. Not likely to see more of this particular series until the Avengers movie. Hopefully it will have improved even more by then.

X-Men 4: Origins [Wolverine]

X-Men 4: Origins [Wolverine] (2009)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Not the best as far as series go or how it's made, but I love Hugh Jackman's performance as Wolverine and the introduction to Wolverine's life before the X-Men. Different than his original story in the comics, they still find a way to explain his bitterness and betrayal as well as his unique memory loss. This film especially does not fit with the new release of X-Men: First Class. In the end of First Class, we find Xavier paralyzed and beginning to adjust to life in a wheelchair while still rather young (fresh out of college) and still with hair. Yet the end of Wolverine shows us an older, bald Xavier walking on his own two legs. Don't get too attached to who was who and at what age in the comics as it's a free for all on mutants in this movie. Still action packed and highly entertaining as Wolverine goes from his original bone claws to the fierce adamantium that makes him even harder to kill on top of his healing factor.

Harry Potter 6: The Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter 6: The Half-Blood Prince (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Beyond intense, this film marks a dramatic change in the story as not only is Voldemort back in full force, but Dumbldore is taken out of the fight permanently. Now, Harry and his friends must go on the run to finish the task Dumbldore had started, or risk the Dark Lord's permanent rise to power and their own untimely demises. The horcrux is very powerful and very frightening. Even more so once the true memories are recovered and they know just how many were created to start with. Admittedly did not see Snape being the half-blood prince, but it makes sense with how he is the potions master and his book is what gets Harry through the course. Now if he's just learn not to cast unknown spells from unfamiliar books before he does something that can't be reversed.

Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix (2007)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This movie ranks as my least favorite as I cannot stand Delores Umbridge and my favorite character, Sirius Black, is killed. Every time I watch this movie, those feelings just intensify. Delores especially is a highly dis-likable character, even above and beyond the Malfoy family. It is good to see the students rallying themselves to work together and train on their own when Delores interferes with their education and puts their safety at risk. This film grates on the nerves the most of all them, though still action packed and enjoyable.

Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter 4: The Goblet of Fire (2005)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mad Eye adds a whole new dimension to this film as he is both highly intelligent, appears to be on Harry's side, and more than a little crazy. If not for his intervention, Harry very well might not have survived the many trials in the tri-wizard tournament. It did feel as if Krum was hyped up a little too much. Fleur barely seemed to get any spotlight and Cedric was Harry's constant rival from his own school. Cedric certainly does get points for returning Harry's favor in the early warning for the next trial as well has actually being honest and decent when they reach the cup a the same time to end the tournament. Sad that he was killed as that could have been a really good friendship down the road.

Harry Potter 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Based on my favorite book of the series and one of my favorite movies as well. I must admit that I really like Sirius Black, so especially the end of the movie as Sirius and Harry get to know each other as family really makes me happy. Lupin is another fun character introduced in this chapter, the werewolf 'defense against the dark arts' teacher. Also love the scenes with Buckbeak, though I suppose that is to be expected given my love for equines and other animals. The dementors are successfully mysterious and creepy, almost resembling skeletons beneath their cloaks. Actually seeing Harry's stag patronus is another interesting piece to the film, along with the fun of Harry's jokes on Malfoy's crew courtesy of his invisibility cloak. This will likely always be at the top of my list for the series.

Harry Potter 2: The Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter 2: The Chamber of Secrets (2002)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Better acting and a more solid relationship tying the main trio together go a long ways towards improving this film from it's predecessor. Harry gets no end of trouble as her learns he is a parselmouth and his friends will die along with losing the only real home he has if he doesn't find the killer. Maybe it is my high school obsession with mythology rearing its head again, but I found Faux particularly interesting in this film. Originally being afraid of snakes in my younger years, the basilisk lived up to its reputation as the frightening secret monster in the castle. Another fun film any time you play it.

Harry Potter 1: The Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter 1: The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is one series that is enjoyable every time I watch it. Recently started re-watching the series to refresh my memory before the release of the last movie in the saga. A little awkward in some scenes, though that may be to the young age of the actors and some first-time experiences. Works sometimes especially with Harry as he is very understandably rather overwhelmed by his sudden immersion in a world he was previously unaware of. Hermoine especially seems awkward as she attempts to show off her vast knowledge to fit in with a society that sometimes looks down on mixed blood heritage like her own.

Vexille

Vexille (2007)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This film is classified as anime, released by Funimation. The art style is more reminiscent of Final Fantasy's computer animation style than what you might consider traditional anime. Japan has been closed off to the rest of the world in this film. An undercover op to infiltrate Japan learns that it's citizens are all slowly becoming cyborgs due to an experimental vaccination the government required a couple of years prior. Vexille and her partner Leon end up the sole survivors of their crew as Tokyo crumbles and the cyborgs self destruct.

FLCL

FLCL (2001)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This series is very random and honestly does not make much sense even watching the entire thing straight through. The entire thing seems to revolve around some mysterious robotic power, robots growing out of foreheads, and what "fooly cooly" and it's many random and strange variations actually mean. The artwork varies widely in quality and the characters swing wildly across the board in their attitudes and positions of events going on in their small town where supposedly nothing ever changes. Watched this because it was a birthday gift from my brother-in-law. Honestly not likely to ever pick it up again.

X-Men 5: First Class

X-Men 5: First Class (2011)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


A little on the cheesy side, this is decent and entertaining as a stand alone film. If you want it to fit in with the original comics or cartoons though, you'll be sadly let down. There are parts that don't even seem to fit well with the current trilogy. A few tweaks in another film between this and the original would likely fill those gaps, though the likelihood is low for such a movie. Don't hang out through the credits for this; Marvel won't give you a teaser at the end like they have for most of their other films.

Zombieland

Zombieland (2009)

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars


A comedic take on a zombie virus turning the majority of the population through bites save a few random survivors. The graphics are done over-the-top, keeping more to the comedic factor than any horror or gore rating, though there's still plenty of blood and body explosions to count as gore. The storyline is narrated by a rather awkward and unusual teenage boy, which makes the story even more unbelievable. There is a slight love interest take on the whole thing giving it an even more unusual spin. All in all decent if you like zombies and want a laugh. Not the best made film or ranking favorite though.

Wild Arms

Wild Arms (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This appears to be an adaptation of a rather large game collection. Cheyenne Rainstorm appears to be a cocky little kid with a unique ability to use arms weapons. The catch is that this isn't his real body. Follow his unlikely band of friends and treasure hunters as they unravel the mystery behind his past and find out just who Cheyenne and some of his new friends really are.

Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations

Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations by Jeffrey Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was a birthday gift from my brother-in-law this year. Given I also own 3 cats, I found these little comics hilarious. Even my father-in-law, who is allergic to cats and generally avoids them, was flipping through it and cracking up at dinner. A collection of various short comic strips about cats, there is more pawing and meowing in this book than actual text. Most of the pictures speak for themselves though as they laugh at the many odd and unusual characteristics of our cats.

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The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man (2006)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Nicholas Cage plays patrolman Edward Malus in this mild horror film. Recovering from a roadside accident, he is drawn to the pagan island Summersisle by a letter from his runaway fiancé asking for help to find her missing daughter, Rowan. The villagers are uncooperative, everything points toward Rowan either being dead or held captive for a secret ritual. Hallucinations do not help Malus keep his calm as he learns Rowan is his daughter and time is running out. Little did he expect that the wicker man was in fact a wood construction in the form of a man made by the villagers to house their yearly sacrifices. This year the sacrifice includes Malus and his missing daughter is the one holding the torch.

MasterChef

MasterChef (2010)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Well known chefs Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Graham Elliot team up together as the judges panel for each year's group of would-be master chefs. Similar to other popular American TV shows like American Idol, a performance or task is set before the competitors each week. The judges then determine based on that performance if the participant will stay for another chance at the title or if they will go home. Already a fan of Ramsay's other kitchen shows, it's no wonder that this one makes the list of series to keep an eye on.

Vampire Knight Official Fanbook

Vampire Knight Official Fanbook by Matsuri Hino

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Still can't seem to get enough of this series. This fanbook gives a nice copy of some new artwork along with character profiles, back stories, side stories, maps, interviews, and a handful of other fun for fans to enjoy. Perhaps a bit more reading than the usual manga as there is more text than picture panels, but worth it for a little enjoyment and series love. There are still plenty of pretty pictures to stare at in the mix.

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Wag the Dog

Wag the Dog (1997)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


How badly can three people mess up a campaign and confuse a country? Apparently a lot if this film is anything to go by. Making up stories, pulling in favors, and in general going for all the recognition they can get. They didn't really expect so much of it to backfire on them. Really making light of politics and war, this film is overall very mild but may not be everyone's cup of tea.

U.S. Marhsals

U.S. Marshals (1998)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Some flashbacks to Men in Black with Tommy Lee Jones in the lead, just minus the aliens. Tommy's character, Samuel, struggles with doing his job while not being able to shake the feeling that this crime does not fit with the Mark Sheridan that he knew. His hunch turns out correct when the final pieces fall together and the real traitor is caught just in time to save Sheridan's life. Not the most thrilling fugitive film out there, but a decent storyline and good mix of characters. Overall, enjoyable if you like this type of film.

Thank You For Smoking

Thank You For Smoking (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is one film I never thought I'd watch. Wouldn't you know it was in my husband's collection of DVDs when we got married. Surprisingly not as bad as I thought it would be. Still slightly annoying, though I expected that just given the title. This film attempts to put a comedic light on the age-old debate of health vs. smoking. Of course by the time this film came out it was irrefutably proven that smoking is in fact bad for your health. The main character is this film works for the smoking industry, trying to debase claims of it's addictiveness and health issues up through a life altering attack on his own health that forces him to quit smoking himself. Introduce the nicotine patch and a new way to supposedly "help" the public quit smoking. Not likely to watch a second time just for the theme alone.

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This story follows two brothers as they fight for their country, family, and each other in the Korean War. Previously running their family's shoe shine business, one must find his way back from enemy lines while the other searches for his missing sibling in the line of fire. Forced to part after finding each other once more, it isn't until an archaeological dig finds his remains that the last brother is finally identified to be brought home. Grenades, bayonets, tanks, old machine guns, amputations and plenty of blood and death. This is war and struggle all the way through.

The Voice

The Voice (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Of the current talent shows airing, I think this new one is actually closer to a favorite. I like the idea of the applicants being judged purely on talent alone as the judges can't see them until they offer to tutor them by hitting the button on their chairs. At least it made auditions more interesting than half the usual comments about how they look and not as much about how they sound. The sing offs to get to the final teams sounded very off though, which made the praises from the judges seem very disconcerting. There is definitely room for improvement with this bunch, but so far I like the way they're going about the competition much better than its predecessors.

American Idol

American Idol (2002)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


One of the first singing talent shows to really go viral, I still wonder how long this one will last. With the change over in 2 of the 3 judges this last season, I thought maybe the show was starting to slow down. Every now and then I hear something from it that is really good, but most of the performances strike me as mediocre or trying to hard. Really enjoyed the first few seasons. Now it just seems repetitive and old. Sometimes I'll watch part of it if I'm not doing something or we're waiting for something else to come on that we want to watch. Usually won't actively seek it out to watch now though.

America's Got Talent

America's Got Talent (2006)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Every now and then they find an act that really is funny or someone that has very obvious talent. A lot of these are good for one time but couldn't do a whole show or are delusional if they think they're talented. This season, the talents all seemed to be picking on Howie during auditions. Sometimes I'll tune in for a laugh, but I don't regularly follow this series.

Super Troopers

Super Troopers (2001)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Meet the highway patrol. Constantly pulling pranks and competing with the city boys in blue. Budget cuts means losing their headquarters though, so all of the sudden the pranks have a purpose - saving their jobs. Ending up merging with the local cops after an unusual drug bust, these cops just can't resist their pranks when it comes to busting the party rings on their new detail.

Someday's Dreamers

Someday's Dreamers (2003)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a cute, short series about a young girl who travels away from home for mage training. She makes new friends and learns on her own terms that not everything is good or right to do, no matter how much she just wants to help everyone. The daughter of a well known mage, this little trainee has a lot to live up to. It's not just her that's changing though. As she grows and learns for herself just what it means to be a mage, she's also changing those around her as well - hopefully all for the better.

Labyrinth

Labyrinth (1986)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of the few films that I can come back to time and time again without losing interest or any love for it. I knew the movie as a child, but didn't see it again for years. College found me with a group of friends who also fondly recalled the movie. A trip to the local video store later, we regularly had Labyrinth nights complete with sing-a-longs and lots of giggling. A few years later, we're scattered all over the U.S. and still hold Labyrinth nights when we can. Peach ice cream has been a added must have in my most recent crew. Break out the peaches, sit back for some fun, and don't let the goblin gurgles catch you off guard. This film is fun for anyone.

Silent Hill

Silent Hill (2006)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Not as bad as some horror films, though still definitely on the creepy scale. Based on a game, this film is about a mother and daughter who unexpectedly find themselves separated and lost in the horrors that are Silent Hill. The story unravels as both sides of the phenomenon try to find answers and bring the girls back home. Don't watch it if you can't stand strange creatures and blood. There's a reason it's rated as a horror film.