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Reviews
Charlie Jade (2005)
A Convoluted Mess
The premise of this show was quite promising. The plot involves three parallel universes called the GammaVerse, AlphaVerse, and BetaVerse. The Alphaverse is the home of our hero, Charlie Jade, which is a fascist world. All citizens are classified in one of three groups (e.g., C-1, or Class 1 which stands for Upper Class). It is dominated by five gigantic multinational firms. Prime among these is Vexcor. Despite the Alphaverse's dystopian society, it does contain some futuristic technology that is within our existing technology.
The Betaverse is like our world and the Gammaverse is the Utopian or ideal version that our world could become. The protagonist is an alphaverse corporation called Vexcor that has designs on draining the pure water from the Betaverse and Gammaverse to replace the polluted water in the Alphaverse. Charlie Jade gets transported to the Alphverse and the story begins. That's it, no explanation, no plot line, and no plot confluence.
Confused, you bet and rightfully so. This show has a wonderful and interesting concept but it is poorly and confusingly written, and turned into a convoluted mess. The writing is terrible. Only if you have closely watched each episode can you understand the plot. The writers needed to explain the plot to the viewer and clearly show the relationship of the Verses and how they differ.
This show was obviously a mess... even to the SciFI network, as the new shows are only shown once on Tuesday at 3:00 AM. I Tevo it just to see how it will end. Don't wast your time watching any episodes if you are a new viewer. I am sure the SciFI network will show all the episodes on one day as they do others. But before watching Charlie Jade, check out the synopses on the this site or others. Otherwise, you will be lost.
As I mentioned, this is a great premise with decent actors. Next time, SciFi Channel, get good writers. It's almost as if SciFI went to the local elementary school and asked if anyone wanted to write a script. This is just a total mess and it's sad. I would have really enjoyed this show if written more coherently.
War of the Worlds (2005)
Lots of walking and crying to very poor music
This movie, simply put, is just plain awful. The special effects are virtually non-existent; the sound track is deplorable; the script could have been written by a five year old. The characters spend most of the movie walking, sulking, praying, crying and then more walking more crying and...but, you get the point. The dialog makes little sense. The sub-plot is to keep alive the scientist who can hopefully develop a defense against the Martians. We don't know the ending other than the producers acknowledged that the help of the residents of Lawrence, Kansas made this movie possible. So hang in there Kansas and save the world... but you can't save this movie.
The Bishop Murder Case (1929)
Interesting and Nostalgic Look at a 1930 Film
Ordinarily, a "B" movie of this quality should be given a lower rating but considering this film was made in 1930, we have an ultra-ordinary hidden gem. The plot is relatively simplistic yet provides the viewer with interesting plot twists, gives insight to Rathbone's future portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and delights with a spot on effort from the supporting cast.
The drawback, as many have noted, is the poor sound track. If viewing this movie on TCM, a quick remedy is to add the subtitle audio option. TCM seems to understand many of the sound problems associated with movies of this era and more often than not have the subtitle option/feature available. Just another reason to give a huge hand of appreciation for TCM's dedication to preserving these national treasures and enhancing the viewers experience.
For those who are film buffs of the 30's and 40's, this is an enjoyable experience... Not to mention finally learning "Who killed Cock Robin".
I Live My Life (1935)
Co-Stars are the Charm
After having watched this movie for the third time on TCM, I find a nostalgic and enjoyable quality to this film because of its co-stars. Brian Aherne and Joan Crawford were just wrong for the lead roles. Aherne simply lacked comedic skills and Crawford, who was in her 30's, did not fit the role of a spoiled rich teenager. However, the co-stars were a joy and the reason to watch this movie. Granted this might and probably would be a classic with Gable and Lombard as the leads, but the joy with this film is spending time with Arthur Treacher, Frank Morgan, Eric Blore, and the wonderful Jessie Ralph. It would have been nice to see more of Ms. Ralph as she was terrific in her few scenes as the overbearing and inimitable grandmother. I simply enjoyed my time spent with Treacher and Blore bringing me a whiskey, Morgan trembling around the females, and Ms. Ralph ordering me about. Perhaps, like me, you too will enjoy time well spent with some of filmdom's greatest character actors.
The Music Man (2003)
Broderick is not up to par with Preston
"I came not to pan Broderick but to praise Preston"
I was looking forward to this version of The Music Man after enjoying Mathew Broderick's performance in The Producers. Unfortunately, Broderick completely lacked the charisma, voice, range, and roguish charm that Preston brought to the original "Music Man".
Take for instance the library scene and score; Broderick was unable to bring the energy necessary that Meredith Wilson's score required. His voice was weak, he appeared clumsy during the choreography, and as such, unable to create the energy necessary to affect the lyrics and music required to develop the relationship between Marion the Librarian and Professor Harold Hill. This scene was necessary to show the viewer of the growing infatuation of Marion Paroo to Harold Hill, and Hill's ensuing attempt to further his seduction and control of Marion to insure his successful con.
Another scene not as poignant but as revealing is the one in which Hill and Marcellus are in the bar/barn and the Professor sings "Sadder But Wiser Girl For Me". Broderick just simply is/was unable to bring the roguish humor, wit, and style that Preston performed so well.
As much as I admire Kristin Chenoweth, she does not possess the vocal ability of Shirley Jones. Also Cameron Monaghan falls far short playing the character of Winthrop Paroo that Ron Howard portrayed so excellently. Cameron just can't lisp properly.
After watching this version, I brought out my DVD of the original hoping to again step into the shoes of Professor Harold Hill, seducing Marian Paroo, and traveling back to con the hapless citizens of River City, Iowa. I played it... and found as much enjoyment watching it for the 60th time as I did the first time. In support of Broderick's effort, he did enunciate the lyrics more clearly and sung his songs one octave higher. He gave a good effort and brought sufficient energy, but the burden of besting Preston's portrayal of Professor Harold Hill is almost an impossible task.
The original is a musical masterpiece and may well be the best musical ever produced. If you have only seen the TV version with Broderick, I urge to to purchase or rent the original. It will bring a great deal of enjoyment to you, your family and any one with whom you wish to share two and a half hours of wonderful music and dancing.