Tuesday, August 24, 2010

LOST - THE COMPLETE SERIES (2004-10)


The Score: 9 out of 10

Few TV programs have the ambition and resources of ABC-Disney's LOST (2004-10), and with the recent changes in the way Network TV is structured we might not see another series of this epic magnitude for a long time to come. LOST dared to dream big and it pulled in millions of devoted fans because of those dreams. And since the sixth and final season of LOST is being released today on Blu-Ray and DVD, we will take this opportunity to look back on the series as a whole with some perspective.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

INCEPTION (2010)


The Score: 8 out of 10

Inception (2010) is a great achievement in modern filmmaking. The cinematography is beautiful. The sound design and special effects are compelling. The stunts and action sequences will catch your breath. The labyrinthine plot and narrative structure is engaging. The casting of the film is appropriate and their acting is solid. Christopher Nolan is a director to be reckoned with, approaching action and suspense on the order of Alfred Hitchcock. We look forward to his third and final Batman film currently in development, scheduled for release in two years. But in spite of all this, there is one thing missing from Inception: HEART.

Monday, August 16, 2010

SALT (2010)


The Score: 8 out of 10

Salt is a compelling action film crossed with a well-rounded thriller. The film has strong characters, interesting plot developments, compelling action sequences, and is always entertaining. And considering the recent discovery of Russian sleeper agents still operating in the United States, Salt is an eerily relevant film for our day. Fans of J.J. Abrams's ALIAS (2001-06) TV series should find Salt particularly appealing, since both shows share a lot in common in both tone and story.

KICK-ASS (2010)


The Score: 8.5 out of 10

Kick-Ass does not establish its tone well in the first half of the film. Despite its aspirations, Kick-Ass was made on a relatively low budget compared to most superhero films and at times it shows. Some scenes and situations fail to unfold organically. But once Nicolas Cage and Chloe Moretz enter the picture as Big Daddy and Hit-Girl, the story begins to take shape and ends up as one of the most enjoyable films this year. By the time the end credits roll, the flaws from earlier will be forgotten.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

GLEE - SEASON ONE (2009-10)


The Score: 7.5 out of 10

Glee (2009-10) Season One finished its 22 episode run on a mixed note. The first 13 powerhouse episodes of the season were fresh and politically incorrect. The first 13 episodes of season one would easily earn a score of 9 out of 10. The writing, direction, acting, singing, dancing, and comedic tone were close to perfect. Glee really earned its Golden Globe Award as the best comedy on television last year. But as the season progressed, the show began to feel more commercial and politically correct. The unique blend of humor and drama was simply abandoned and it digressed into formulaic television. In short, it seems the passion is gone.