Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Done in a very old school fashion, there are a few problems with this officially being a prequel to the TV series. Firstly, the watcher is killed during the movie, yet he's the school librarian in the TV series. Secondly, the master is also killed during the movie, then is sealed in Hell and rises to be killed again in the first season of the TV series. That doesn't even cover the dramatic wardrobe and attitude change between the characters or whatever happened to Pike. It does certainly answer some questions as to her "trouble" at her previous school before moving to the area where the series takes place, as well as her comments about how she used to be popular, but other than that I just don't see it fitting the timeline. On the other hand, for the time period in which it was filmed, it was pointed out to me that it was actually remarkably well done. Sort of makes me think Grease meets the Buffy TV series as far as how the movie turned out.

Angel

Angel (1999)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Featuring Angel and Cordelia from the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this features the two characters not living the lives they expected to as they end up helping each other and those around them. Surprise, surprise. After my comment about Angel in Buffy looking like Selee Booth from Bones in the previous entry, I looked up the entry. Turns out it is in fact the same actor for both parts. Kind of weird given the similarities in mannerisms and dress. I keep looking at Angel as a young Booth and having to remind myself he's also a teenage vampire in this series, not an FBI agent - weird. I will admit, despite that I haven't completed either series yet, I do seem to prefer the Angel/Buffy dynamic, so I'm kind of missing that in this new series, despite there being several flash back or references to things happening in the original series.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Is it just me, or does Angel look like a young Selee Booth from Bones? Interesting that despite the title spelling, the book that is often flashed upon during the opening and the series itself uses the spelling "vampyr," which I've never seen without the e at the end until now. Said vampires have a rather interesting look, which may lend to how the upgraded station now portrays them in The Vampire Diaries. Instead of just having the eyes and veins changing like in the new series, this series changes the entire face to take on almost a white bat and mas-like appearance. More than a little creepy and understandably disturbing. I have vague memories of seeing a few scattered episodes as a teenager, but it wasn't a series I followed at the time despite many recommendations both back then and still now. Figure if you're still getting references and recommendations for a series after this long, it's worth at least checking it out.

Firefly

Firefly (2002)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I don't really remember why, but I do remember that I had some reason why I didn't want to watch the series when it first aired. Thanks to an evening when hubby and I both needed to stay up to get work done after the baby went to bed, we were searching Hulu for some background noise to help make the time passing a little easier on us. Not finding anything new up for any of the series we do follow, we opted to turn on Firefly. It started mid-first season, but quickly proved it could be very entertaining and right up my alley between both the science-fiction element and the western portion. Now I'm wonder exactly why it was I didn't want to watch this series before as I entirely expect to enjoy the rest of the series now that we're watching it. Makes it a little disappointing to know the series has already been cancelled.

007 23: Skyfall

007 23: Skyfall (2012)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


As Bond movies go, it's fairly typical, though this time the main woman in the film is 007's boss, M, rather than his recent lady conquest. Fairly typical of Bond, he faces impossible odds, barely seems to even bat an eyelash, and gets the job done. My husband made the reference at one point during the early part of the film that it was "very 24-esque." Sometimes the lack of emotion and reaction bothers me, though on the other hand it plays well to Bond's profession. Overall an enjoyable film added to the collection of very long James Bond/007 movies.

Bath Crashers

Bath Crashers (2010)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Another new find via Hulu - this time ideas for bathroom remodeling. Makes me wish these guys would come remodel our house - their projects always turn out looking so great and are done so quickly. Of course we probably couldn't afford them anyways, but wishful thinking doesn't hurt anyone and in the meantime the show might give us some more great ideas.

Arrow

Arrow (2012)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Based on the comic series, this is a highly entertaining series that brings something new each week. Can't say I was a fan of the original as I didn't know besides the title prior to this show. I do know that I look forward to each new episode however and we watch as many of them together as a family that we can. A good start for a new spin-off. Hopefully it just keeps getting better.

Kitchen Impossible

Kitchen Impossible (2009)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love watching these home improvement series. The project are often daunting to downright disgusting, yet the end results are beautiful, and a lot of the work can be done on your own without hiring a contractor. Wonderful way to get ideas for your own home and what you do or don't like without making a lot of costly mistakes by yourself.

Sweat Equity

Sweat Equity (2006)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a fascinating show we found on Hulu that lists a lot of the top home makeover projects where you can save money by doing the work yourself and raise the value of your home above the cost of the makeover. Good information and place for ideas for any home owner. Especially of interest to us as we have several projects on our list of decorating and remodeling that we'd like to do at some point.

Kennedy Killingsworth 3: Murder By The Way

Kennedy Killingsworth 3: Murder By The Way by Betsy Brannon Green

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love Green's books, and this one wasn't any different. It's been awhile since I read her last book from this series, but this recent installation didn't disappoint, drawing me right back in and refreshing the characters easily. Makes a lot more sense why Drake made people's skin crawl and grew more bad will despite his supposed "good intentions" by the end of this book. Especially didn't like the insinuations with how powerful he was that he was also the reason why Luke was called off so close to their wedding - good thing they pushed up the time rather than letting him leave and reschedule. Hate to think what Drake might have done on top of his current schemes in that situation. Good for Kennedy sticking to her morals - I like her and Luke more and more with each book. Not as much with Kate and Mark, the original favorites from Haggerty, but Miss Eugenia still has a leading roll. Also struck by the awkward situation with HannaLeigh at the end of the book - could she get any farther off track? Oh well. At least Cade isn't as much of a concern.

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Mysterious Girlfriend X

Mysterious Girlfriend X (2012)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This has got to be one of the strangest anime I have ever seen. Ended up finding it by random play on Hulu when Matt was playing around online. Sort of felt like I was watching a warped train wreck the entire time. Part of me wonders if the series ever might get better, but it just keeps getting even more strange (if that was possible). Now I just can't seem to fathom why it's still playing...

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles (2005)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a cute series and a good way to get familiar with a lot of different Clamp series as many different characters and series come into play as they main group travels across different worlds. Definitely one to pay attention during however, or it's easy to get confused between the same faces, different worlds, and constantly twisting story line. Still, the characters retain their original charm despite their different circumstances. Anyone who enjoys Clamp stories will want this in their collection.

Tsubasa: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom

Tsubasa: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Despite being a movie, this feels more like just a longer episode from the TV series. The art differs slightly, but is overall consistent with the characters feel and creation as it's been through the rest of the production. The Birdcage Kingdom is as strange as any other place that they end up, being an odd melding of different worlds and characters as they often run across faces they already know in different personas across the worlds. Despite growing in confidence in the other OVAs, Sakura plays a very minor background role in this film despite the fact that it's still her feather that is at the core of yet another mess. This series has no shortage of twists and turns, so it's best to pay attention if you don't want to end up rather confused.

Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelation / Spring Thunder Chronicle

Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations / Spring Thunder Chronicles (2005)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


These two come together on a single disc as an OVA for the popular Clamp series. A couple of twists bring out the second Syaoran change both him and Fai irrevocably, and bring out another side of Sakura that we haven't seen before. Though short, these two pieces give a lot of answers that appeared to be missing in the earlier series. Overall these fit well and don't seem to leave as many holes in the story line as many other OVAs seem to do.

Walking Tall

Walking Tall (2004)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Returning home from the service, our lead character lands himself in trouble pretty quickly with his extensive training and quick temper. Proving he's just as slick in a very beating you over the head with his own mentality sort of way, he gets off free of charge for the trouble and continues causing mayhem as he tries to re-teach the people to "walk tall" - a standard that bites him back a few times through the course of the movie. Not the best acting, but decently entertaining.

While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have fond memories of my mother and I watching this when I was younger. It is a rather twisted yet cute love story as a girl first crushes on one brother, than falls in love with the other while he's in a coma after she's saved his life - a large part of why his family accepts her as one of their own while he's sleeping. In the end, it appears to work out for the best as the family sorts things out, though I can't help but wonder what happened to the first brother as he's barely mentioned in passing after the shotgun wedding is called to a halt.

xxxHolic: A Midsummer Night's Dream

xxxHolic: A Midsummer Night's Dream (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


For a short film, this is entertaining and certainly stays true to the original series. However, this also means that it is highly confusing at some points and doesn't really leave you with a feeling of finality or completion at the end. Some of the hallways in the mansion are beyond ridiculous, just as the circumstances for their "party" there and the games the collector plays are both creepy and bizarre. At Watanuki hasn't lost any of his flamboyancy as he objects quiet strenuously to their predicament.

Fallen Angels 4: Rapture

Fallen Angels 4: Rapture by J.R. Ward

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I actually enjoyed this the most of the books in this series so far, despite the fact that it's also taken the longest for me to finish it of any of the books - the result of running on baby time, working, and being called out of town for a funeral all throwing wrenches in reading time. Matthias is very similar to Heron on the surface, but underneath he seems to have a much faster reflex when it comes to figuring things out and making decisions - something which Heron is starting to drive me a little crazy with. His latest decision concerning the flags and Sissy is not exactly earning him bonus points, though I notice the outcome of that wager has been left off for the next book. Mel makes a good contrast for Matthias, so their ending is a nice touch, though I wonder if Matthias will make future appearances as the war continues. Dog's revelation makes a lot of sense with how aware and responsive he's been from day one. Some amusement to Heron's discomfort over that little scene. Overall a better, more cohesive story it seemed. Will have to wait for the next book to see if the series keeps improving for me or drops back down again.

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xxxHolic

xxxHolic (2006)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Admittedly I have watched the anime a couple of times at this point where I can't recall ever actually finishing the manga. As with most Clamp series, the art is more angular than many others and the anime takes an interesting turn with it's interpretation. Watanuki especially often seems almost rubber-like as he goes in full wiggling panic mode often. If you like series that are a bit more mysterious and random, you'll like xxxHolic as it deals largely with the supernatural. Yuuko is especially good at talking in riddles, answering one question while raising a dozen more.

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Despite being part of the original Superman series, there are definite inconsistencies in the story - like Lois no longer remembering that Clark is Superman. That doesn't even touch on the main villain being "made" using nuclear energy and the fact that somehow Lois survives outer space without any protection - an impossibility for any normal human. Of course it's not a Superman movie without Lex Luther causing a fuss and being caught in the end. Once again, the green screen is very obvious, though it is to be expected with older films. Still, it's part of the collection for any fan to enjoy.

Superman III

Superman III (1983)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Computers enter the scene as a greedy employee starts writing code to siphon off funds to himself from his employers, bringing him to the attention of one of some bigger fish in the sea. His computer program ends up causing some problems towards the end of the film, but of course the hero always has to come out on top. This movie also brought in Lana Lang, would-be crush of Clark's childhood prior to Louis Lane. About the biggest action is the fire when Jimmy breaks his leg and the rest is created more along the lines of a cosmic joke. Not the best for the series.

Superman II

Superman II (1980)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Three other Kryptonians appear to have survived the destruction of their planet, and they give Superman a run for his money when it comes to defending it - something which couldn't have come at a worse time as Lois learns his secret and he tries to give up his power to be with her. Awkward, slow, and graphically not anywhere near the level of special effects as the newer films, this is also dated rather heavily while still being enjoyable to any real Superman fan.

Superman

Superman (1978)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The first of the big Superman films, it is definitely dated by it's era by filming style, clothing, and special effects. Technology has made many of these things appear seamless in recent films, but the green screens definitely stand out in these films. The "alien" costumes are sort of like modified chemical suits, which isn't exactly a rousing endorsement. Regardless, if you like the old Superman comics, or just even Superman in general, it's worth watching the old films and seeing how the series develops.

Kimi ni Todoke

Kimi ni Todoke (2009)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a cute series that tells the story of a rather socially awkward girl as she learns to be accepted and identify her different feelings. The art is pretty, but at random scenes will turn to awkward squished chibi-like characters that sort of throw it off as far as continuity goes. The base-line of the story is the romantic development between the previous outcast and the class good boy who is friends with everyone. Somehow these two seem to connect despite rivals and the girl's own emotional and maturity challenges.

Superman: The Animated Series

Superman: The Animated Series (1996)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I can remember very well seeing this series on TV after coming home from school along with Batman, X-Men and The Disney Afternoon. They were my favorites as a child and are still entertaining to watch as the series are very much still alive - proven by the number of times the series has been redone and still does well in the box office as people flock to see the newest addition. Must admit to be glad we have this in our collecting in case Mercy loves the comics as much as we did growing up.

Dragons

Dragons (2012)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I adore How To Train Your Dragon, so it's little surprise that I was thrilled to find this new series. Hiccup is back with Toothless and friends as they go through daily adventures and complications in a Viking's life on Berk. Toothless is as lovable as always, and still reminds me of my cat, Midnight. The other boys are still comedic filler as they otherwise can only really be classified as "losers." Astrid is still the glue that keeps it all together and does amazingly well with her dragon, second only to Hiccup who now runs the Dragon Academy. New dragons are introduced and it is too hilarious to see Stoick, Hiccup's stern and brute force father all excited to be riding a dragon - felt bad for Toothless for awhile there. No new episodes in awhile, but I hope the series keeps going. It's adorable and a lot of fun.

Note: Each season is titled slightly differently, though all share the "Dragons" origin.

Season One: Riders of Berk
Season Two: Defenders of Berk
Season Three: Race to the Edge