Matt Zimmer (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
matt_zimmer) wrote2008-03-30 09:58 pm
matt_zimmer) wrote2008-03-30 09:58 pm
Entry tags:
- aladdin,
- batman: the animated series,
- battlestar galactica,
- beauty and the beast,
- buffyverse,
- dc animated universe,
- disney,
- enchanted,
- harry potter,
- justice league unlimited,
- smallville,
- spider-man (film),
- spider-man 2,
- spider-man 3,
- superman: the animated series,
- teenage mutant ninja turtles,
- the lion king,
- the little mermaid,
- the simpsons,
- the spectacular spider-man
Enchanted DVD and Battlestar Galactica: Season Three Reviews (Spoilers)
Reviews for the latest episodes of Legion of Super Heroes, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Smallville, Battlestar Galactica and the special features on the DVD of Enchanted.
Legion of Super Heroes "Dark Victory: Part 1"
It's a shame this show is ending next week. It was basically cut down in it's prime. The two-part season (now series) finale's first part had shocking revelations, unpredictable twists and Corey Burton as Brainiac which SHOULD raise continuity questions about the series if I still cared about that stuff at this point.
Brainy turning bad was a no-brainer (pardon the pun) but I am STUNNED that he was the one to off Imperiex (in a shockingly gruesome manner for a Saturday morning cartoon). As Superman X noted in his righteous fury Imperiex was HIS. I'm less surprised by Superman's death. The only thing that surprised me about it is that the producers actually had the gall to make that part of the cliffhanger (like they're going to kill off Superman).
Frankly, I don't see HOW the Legion can stop Brainy with his vaporizing powers. They are either going to pull off an incredible story-telling twist next week or the hugest of cop-outs. This was a five-star episode that I'm knocking half a star off of in case next week is a huge let-down. So for now ****1/2. I may have to regrade it next week.
The Spectacular Spider-Man "Competition"
I liked this too. MUCH better than last week. I liked this version of Sandman even though he can't hold a candle to the Thomas Haden Church version. I also thought it was an interesting choice to have Peter MacNichol (Ally McBeal) voice Otto Octavious. I think since the Spider-Man movies made Doc Ock American the producers of this show didn't feel the need to give him an accent. Interesting choice.
I love that Gwen is hinting that she likes Peter. Peter is SUCH a doof on this show (albiet a relatable one) that seeing him being so oblivious was fun. I think the strongest things about this episode were the character moments rather than the supervillain stuff. That's a RARE thing in a kids cartoon and the other other action franchise I can think that ever consistantly pulled that off is the Buffyverse. Even JLU and the DCAU never got that intimate with the character's mundane problems much less made them the highlights of the episode. I like. ****1/2.
Smallville "Veritas"
It was good seeing Brainiac again and this season has done the impossible: I actually care about Lana again. She's MUCH more relatable now that she isn't constantly sniping at Clark and seeing her get hurt really registered. I'm as surprised as anybody.
I don't think Lionel WILL turn out to be a villain and IS in fact at this point on Clark's side. And the reason I feel this way is similar to my feelings about Snape: he's less interesting if he's evil. The best part of Lionel is when they set him against Lex and if LEX IS evil now (and there is no question he is) the only way for the writers to believably still have him and Lionel at odds is if Lionel is a White Hat.
This was an interesting episode that I will probably have a better handle on when I find out where they are REALLY going with Lionel. ****.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Membership Drive"
I'm not gonna lie. This season has been SO tense and mythology heavy that it was nice to take a breather with a one-off featuring Nano and the Justice Force. Some people might scream filler but if the Justice Force and Nano ARE involved in helping the Turtles in the season finale as this episode suggested that also makes this episode good set-up.
How was the episode on it's own? Pretty darn good. I have always liked the concept of Superheroes in the Turtleverse and it was good seeing Silver Sentry and Nobody again (even if Nobody only cameoed). I also like the idea that Nano has evolved and grown up a bit (and joined the Justice Force!) as that will make rewatching his earlier episodes even more rewarding.
I liked seeing Bishop and Stockman for the first time this season too. I really enjoyed this episode. ****1/2.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "New World Order: Part One"
And now Karai is in the mix. I have to say it was a REALLY good idea that the producers moved the action back to New York for the second half of the Ninja Tribunal season. Not just because I was bored with Japan (and I was) but because now they can get the Turtles supporting cast into the story without any problems.
I WAS however a little disappointed that Shredder is all demon now. I was a little bit bummed when the producers made the original Shredder an Utrom so the idea that the "real" Shredder isn't even human anymore was kind of a bummer too. I also think that without the history between him and the Turtles it makes their confrontation that much less personal (at least by his perspective) and that was the coolest thing about ol' Shred-Head. I liked the episode though and thought the cliffhanger was cool. I can't wait for next week. ****.
The Simpsons "Smoke on the Daughter"
What is the matter with this show? Has everything gone topsy-turvy? This IS the Al Jean years. At this point in the season is when the show is supposed to suck. Who do they think they are, delivering yet ANOTHER solid episode?
I like that Lisa got addicted to second-hand smoke just because it would be COMPLETELY out of character for her to ACTUALLY smoke so they got around that problem nicely. The Ballerina freak-out at the end was hysterical especially the girl trying to smoke her own finger.
Even Homer and Bart's raccoon sideplot was pretty funny and best of all they managed to tie it into the main plot. I love Maggie strangling Bart too and Homer tsk-tsking smoking with a jacket full of guns.
My only problem with the episode was minor. The beginning with the Harry Potter Mania parody was SPOT-ON and I loved the fact that the family (except Bart naturally) was actually getting excited for a book. Comic Book Guy getting pwned by Lisa was hilarious just because it was a total nerd moment (as was Skinner's "no spoiler-zone" comment). And yes, the Harry Potter books ARE better than the movies, thanks for asking. But then they ruined that awesome run with Lisa hastily reading through to book spoiling the family (and them all chucking their copies out the window) which totally missed the point of the Harry Potter craze and seemed like a cheap shot at the Simpson family even for this show. It wasn't episode ruining by any standard but the episode would have been practically perfect if it wasn't for that little misstep. ****1/2.
King of the Hill "Pour Some Sugar on Khan"
Khan is my favorite character on this show because he's the only character who is actually horrible on purpose. I love how awful he is and I find his put-downs hilarious. He's annoying because that's who he is, rather than because the writers need a scape-goat for the week to vent their frustrations on idiots. Peggy is usually the victim of that little self-indulgence.
I loved Khan being a singer (like Batman in JLU you were SHOCKED when he nailed it) and thought his father in law stealing his song was particularly cruel even by THAT family's standards. I also actually enjoyed Bobby and Peggy's betting sideplot which surprised me as much as anyone. Good episode. ****.
Battlestar Galactica Season Three
What is turning out to be Battlestar Galactica's second to last season had a lot of surprises and cool revelations (including the shocking identities of four new Cylons in the season finale. This was also the season where Baltar is finally put on trial for crimes against humanity and the fate of the people on New Caprica is revealed. We got more insights into the Cylons this season than we did with them in the first two seasons put together. While the season has a few too many standalone episodes the mythology stuff is pretty much as good as ever. I liked the season a lot. ****1/2.
Occupation: Good kick-off to the season. It was a pleasant surprise to see Sharon and Adama friends and Sharon an officer. The Resistance stuff on New Caprica was great. Micheal Hogan deserved an Emmy for his performance as Tigh here. Why is this series always snubbed? And Brother Cavil is both creepy and funny. The last shot of Duck blowing himself to smithereens was awesome. ****1/2.
Precipice: Things just keep getting worse and worse. I love how incredulous the Resistance was that Adama was sending Sharon. And Baltar being forced to sign the death list at gunpoint was shocking. I was never too crazy about the Kara/ Leoben sideplot though. ****.
Exodus: Part 1: The first part is basically set-up for the awesome conclusion. The cliffhanger rocked too. ****.
Exodus: Part 2: Tigh's last scene with his wife was heart-breaking. But the real joy of the episode is seeing the Galactica on the edge of destruction (indeed closer than it has ever come before) only to have Lee and the Pegasus come to the rescue. ****1/2.
Collaborators: This episode is basically an affirmation of Felix Gaeta and makes it clear in no uncertain terms whatsoever that he is a White Hat and was NO collaborator even though he was Baltar's Chief of Staff. Jammer's last scene pleading for his life was chilling and it was great that Gaeta refused to beg for his own life only to have Kara demand he do so after she heard his admission of helping the Resistance earlier in the episode. This was fantastic. *****.
Torn: I love Baltar aboard the Cylon ship and him trying to earn his keep with them. The disease sets up a VERY interesting dilemna for the Cylons is contracting a deadly virus. ***1/2.
A Measure of Salvation: Speaking of Emmys James Callis gives a remarkable performance as the torture Baltar. I was also impressed that the series explored the issue of genocide and how Helo was the voice of consience and ultimately stopped the plan. ****.
Hero: Carl Lumbly! This episode was pretty good. I liked how the Cylons basically set up Bulldog to kill Adama. Hopefully we'll see him again next season. ***.
Unfinished Business: Most overrated. Episode. EVER. I was a BIG Lee/ Dee shipper so Starbuck always stepping in trying to wreck Lee's marriage bugged me like you wouldn't believe. The episode is also kind of tough to watch because of all of the blood and snot running out of the characters' noses. **1/2.
Unfinished Business: Extended Cut: Joy. An extra 25 minutes to an episode that feels overlong as it is. The only really good thing about the extended cut was seeing Tigh and Kara bond over drinks on New Caprica setting up their friendship. **1/2.
The Passage: I HATE Kat but I actually liked her episode spotlight (in which she is killed off) a LOT. It was interesting having Starbuck of all people being the one to lecture Kat on what being a good soldier means and the fact that Kat FINALLY acknowledged Kara had a point. Kat's death scene was also touching especially Adama telling her that whatever she was about to admit to him didn't matter. ****.
The Eye of Jupitor: What could have been a practically flawless episode is marred by more Lee/ Kara melodrama in which Starbuck infuriatingly tells Lee that divorce is a sin. But Tyrell in the temple and and Cylons coming aboard Galactica was good stuff and more than made up for that. I also loved how absolutely LAME Laura's justifications to Adama about hiding Hera were. I love that he just stormed out of there. Cavil offering to give Galactica Baltar to sweeten the pot was hilarious. ****.
Rapture: Watershed episode. D'Anna is put in cold storage. The scene where Athena begs Helo to kill her was heartbreaking especially since he actually did it. I also enjoyed Helo telling Laura that whatever happened was her fault for hiding Hera in the first place. Tyrell cold-cocking Baltar and saying "Welcome home, Mr. President" made me cheer. This and the previous episode also gives a hint that there may be more to Tyrell than meets the eye considering how in tune to the temple he was. ****1/2.
Taking a Break From All Your Worries: I felt SO bad for Baltar here and was actually hoping he WAS a Cylon. This episode had been building from the pilot so it was rewarding to actually see Baltar implicated in his crimes. Adama also NAILS Baltar's character at the end when he tells Roslin that he sees himself as a victim. The Lee/ Kara stuff was also tolerable because of Galen's ownage scene of telling Lee point-blank that he NEVER stills thinks about Sharon. ****.
The Woman King: This episode was better than it should have been basically because like Collaborators this episode was an affirmation of a character (here Helo instead of Gaeta). Helo is the consience of the crew which is really something special and I love how him refusing to drop the subject resulted in him caring about other people being vindicated (including Adama offering a rare apology) and TIGH of all people telling the Doctor that he should have listened to Helo in the first place. ***1/2.
A Day in the Life: The Cally/ Tyrell being flushed into space was awesome but Adama's anniversary plot didn't thrill me. ***.
Dirty Hands: The episode that made me hate Adama. Threatening to kill Cally over a labor dispute is one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen. Even Baltar has never been that overtly malicious. The episode tried to have it both ways at the end by having Tyrell sit down with Laura but by then the damage was done. I will never think of Adama the same way again. I DID however like seeing Tyrell meeting with Baltar who in a candid moment reveals his roots (and real accent!). **.
Maelstrom: An episode that tries the justify Kara's deplorable behavior. I should have hated it but I didn't. I like how the Eye of Jupitor painting seems to be setting up something for season four. The ending was powerful but loses some impact upon seeing the cliffhanger of season three. ***1/2.
The Son Also Rises: Lampkin is quite possibly one of the coolest, funniest characters the show has ever had. I like how Lee is given the responsibility of helping Baltar. ****.
Crossroads: Part 1: The music coming from inside the ship is paid off handsomely in the next part. Baltar's trial starts off great too with Laura quietly asking Lee on the stand not to ask him about the Camalla (and it turns out it was because she didn't want to see him humiliated). I sided with Lee throughout the rest of the episode though especially in his fight with Adama. ****1/2.
Crossroads: Part 2: What the-? Tyrell's a Cylon?! So are Anders and Tory?! TIGH?! They had better come up with some GOOD explanations about the final five in the last season because this was SO out of nowhere. Baltar's verdict was predictable but I loved Lee giving his royal smugness a smackdown and Baltar realizing that there wasn't anywhere safe for him in the fleet. The final shot of Kara telling Lee that she knew where Earth was was SO awesome as was the pan to it while Bob Dylan music played. I can't wait for season four. *****.
Battlestar Galactica Season Three Special Features:
Occupation: Deleted Scenes: I see why they left the scene of Kara trying to kill herself out. It would have added an extra level of drama but it would have felt VERY unresolved as is. ****.
Precipice: Deleted Scenes: This meeting between Baltar and Laura with Caprica Six listening was SO good it should have been in the episode. Unfortunately since the episode itself is non-stop awesomeness from start to finish there was no real way they could squeeze it in there. *****.
Exodus, Part 2: Deleted Scenes: The scene between Adama and Kat was boring but I kind of wish the extended end scene had been in the episode. ***1/2.
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Collaborators: Deleted Scenes: Kara is one of the most unlikable characters on this show but this scene between her and Anders gives her some extra dimension. ***1/2.
Torn: Deleted Scenes: This needed to be in the episode. It may have seemed redundant given Baltar's arc but we needed to get an update on Hera and the fact that Boomer is now her guardian. ****1/2.
A Measure of Salvation: Deleted Scenes: The scene between Caprica and Deanna was cool as was Kara's (although the latter was over-long. I didn't care for most of the scene of the Admiral rallying the troops because everyone seemed a little bit too gleeful. I loved the look Sharon gave Adama at the end though. ****.
Hero: Deleted Scenes: Bulldog learning that the human race had been wiped out was interesting but the really meaty deleted scene is Baltar touring the Cylon ship. It was both really funny and REALLY unsettling. ****1/2.
The Passage: Deleted Scenes: Most of the scenes that were cut deserved it. They were boring. But I REALLY liked Kara's extended confontation with Kat. ***.
The Eye of Jupitor: Deleted Scenes: I'm not gonna lie. This scene of Adama furiously shaving while Laura lamely tries to explain herself is unbearably cool. Unfortunately the episode plays better without it. Adama not even listening to her justifications let the audience know in no uncertain terms how appalled he was by the situation. It took the deleted scene a few minutes to convey what him storming off conveyed in five seconds. *****.
Rapture: Deleted Scenes: It's a shame the scene between Dee and Kara wasn't in the episode (Dee has her number) but the scene of Adama getting ready to launch the nukes for the second time is redundant. ***1/2.
Taking a Break From All Your Worries: Deleted Scenes: This scene between Caprica and Roslin should have been in the episode instead of some of the lame Kara/ Lee melodrama. *****.]
The Woman King: Deleted Scenes: This scene of Helo confessing to Adama about the infected Cylons was kind of neat but really, it was SO unnecessary that I understand completely why it wasn't in the episode. ***.
A Day in the Life: Deleted Scenes: This was cute. Gaeta and Dee were both speculating I what I was thinking after after Unfinished Business. ****.
Dirty Hands: Deleted Scenes: Some nice interactions with Tyrell and Callie don't really add that much to the episode. ***1/2.
Maelstrom: Deleted Scenes: The extended sex scene was hot and the scene with Kara at the firing range was cool. The extended conversation with Lee and the extra vision were boring. ***1/2.
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The Son Also Rises: Deleted Scenes: This confrontation between Callie and Sharon was fantastic but unfortunately it was in the wrong episode. It didn't really fit in with what this episode was trying to do. *****.
Crossroads: Part 1: Deleted Scenes: Cool scene between Lee and Lambkin; only decent scene with Laura and the press. ***1/2.
Crossroads: Part 2: Deleted Scenes: Anders and Torie equals boring but the scene between Sharon and Roslin was VERY illuminating and I wish it had been in the episode. I didn't care for the alternate ending. The wide shot the episode went with was WAAAAYYY better and cooler. But it was awesome to actually see it for the first time. ****1/2.
Battlestar Galactica "The Resistance"
This is a series of ten webisodes that sets up the third season and the idea of the Resistance. I wish we had learned more about Tigh's capture but despite petering out at the end the story is pretty good. It's not perfect but it has a LOT of good scenes. ****.
1: Good set-up. I'm really like the new characters. ****.
2: It was a good idea to hide the weapons in the temple. I also like the conflict this created. ****.
3: Mushy stuff with the newbies is interwoven with Tyrell smuggling weapons into the temple. ***.
4: I'm confused. Cally talks as if Galen learning Cavil was a Cylon was a recent development but if I understand my BSG timeline correctly this episode takes place over a year after the season finale. Bleak and shocking ending to this part. ****1/2.
5: I loved the fall-out here. The red-headed guy is a good actor. ****1/2.
6: Tensions escalate between Tigh and Jammer. ****.
7: Gettin' good. The Cylon with the knife freaked me out. *****.
8: This is great! It explains a LOT of things about New Caprica and why Jammer helped the Cylons. Neat! *****.
9: I have never seen Tyrell so threatening. ****.
10: Boring ending. I was hoping we'd actually see Tigh getting captured but no such luck. **1/2.
Battlstar Galactica Season Three Special Feature Overall: *****.
Legion of Super Heroes "Dark Victory: Part 1"
It's a shame this show is ending next week. It was basically cut down in it's prime. The two-part season (now series) finale's first part had shocking revelations, unpredictable twists and Corey Burton as Brainiac which SHOULD raise continuity questions about the series if I still cared about that stuff at this point.
Brainy turning bad was a no-brainer (pardon the pun) but I am STUNNED that he was the one to off Imperiex (in a shockingly gruesome manner for a Saturday morning cartoon). As Superman X noted in his righteous fury Imperiex was HIS. I'm less surprised by Superman's death. The only thing that surprised me about it is that the producers actually had the gall to make that part of the cliffhanger (like they're going to kill off Superman).
Frankly, I don't see HOW the Legion can stop Brainy with his vaporizing powers. They are either going to pull off an incredible story-telling twist next week or the hugest of cop-outs. This was a five-star episode that I'm knocking half a star off of in case next week is a huge let-down. So for now ****1/2. I may have to regrade it next week.
The Spectacular Spider-Man "Competition"
I liked this too. MUCH better than last week. I liked this version of Sandman even though he can't hold a candle to the Thomas Haden Church version. I also thought it was an interesting choice to have Peter MacNichol (Ally McBeal) voice Otto Octavious. I think since the Spider-Man movies made Doc Ock American the producers of this show didn't feel the need to give him an accent. Interesting choice.
I love that Gwen is hinting that she likes Peter. Peter is SUCH a doof on this show (albiet a relatable one) that seeing him being so oblivious was fun. I think the strongest things about this episode were the character moments rather than the supervillain stuff. That's a RARE thing in a kids cartoon and the other other action franchise I can think that ever consistantly pulled that off is the Buffyverse. Even JLU and the DCAU never got that intimate with the character's mundane problems much less made them the highlights of the episode. I like. ****1/2.
Smallville "Veritas"
It was good seeing Brainiac again and this season has done the impossible: I actually care about Lana again. She's MUCH more relatable now that she isn't constantly sniping at Clark and seeing her get hurt really registered. I'm as surprised as anybody.
I don't think Lionel WILL turn out to be a villain and IS in fact at this point on Clark's side. And the reason I feel this way is similar to my feelings about Snape: he's less interesting if he's evil. The best part of Lionel is when they set him against Lex and if LEX IS evil now (and there is no question he is) the only way for the writers to believably still have him and Lionel at odds is if Lionel is a White Hat.
This was an interesting episode that I will probably have a better handle on when I find out where they are REALLY going with Lionel. ****.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Membership Drive"
I'm not gonna lie. This season has been SO tense and mythology heavy that it was nice to take a breather with a one-off featuring Nano and the Justice Force. Some people might scream filler but if the Justice Force and Nano ARE involved in helping the Turtles in the season finale as this episode suggested that also makes this episode good set-up.
How was the episode on it's own? Pretty darn good. I have always liked the concept of Superheroes in the Turtleverse and it was good seeing Silver Sentry and Nobody again (even if Nobody only cameoed). I also like the idea that Nano has evolved and grown up a bit (and joined the Justice Force!) as that will make rewatching his earlier episodes even more rewarding.
I liked seeing Bishop and Stockman for the first time this season too. I really enjoyed this episode. ****1/2.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "New World Order: Part One"
And now Karai is in the mix. I have to say it was a REALLY good idea that the producers moved the action back to New York for the second half of the Ninja Tribunal season. Not just because I was bored with Japan (and I was) but because now they can get the Turtles supporting cast into the story without any problems.
I WAS however a little disappointed that Shredder is all demon now. I was a little bit bummed when the producers made the original Shredder an Utrom so the idea that the "real" Shredder isn't even human anymore was kind of a bummer too. I also think that without the history between him and the Turtles it makes their confrontation that much less personal (at least by his perspective) and that was the coolest thing about ol' Shred-Head. I liked the episode though and thought the cliffhanger was cool. I can't wait for next week. ****.
The Simpsons "Smoke on the Daughter"
What is the matter with this show? Has everything gone topsy-turvy? This IS the Al Jean years. At this point in the season is when the show is supposed to suck. Who do they think they are, delivering yet ANOTHER solid episode?
I like that Lisa got addicted to second-hand smoke just because it would be COMPLETELY out of character for her to ACTUALLY smoke so they got around that problem nicely. The Ballerina freak-out at the end was hysterical especially the girl trying to smoke her own finger.
Even Homer and Bart's raccoon sideplot was pretty funny and best of all they managed to tie it into the main plot. I love Maggie strangling Bart too and Homer tsk-tsking smoking with a jacket full of guns.
My only problem with the episode was minor. The beginning with the Harry Potter Mania parody was SPOT-ON and I loved the fact that the family (except Bart naturally) was actually getting excited for a book. Comic Book Guy getting pwned by Lisa was hilarious just because it was a total nerd moment (as was Skinner's "no spoiler-zone" comment). And yes, the Harry Potter books ARE better than the movies, thanks for asking. But then they ruined that awesome run with Lisa hastily reading through to book spoiling the family (and them all chucking their copies out the window) which totally missed the point of the Harry Potter craze and seemed like a cheap shot at the Simpson family even for this show. It wasn't episode ruining by any standard but the episode would have been practically perfect if it wasn't for that little misstep. ****1/2.
King of the Hill "Pour Some Sugar on Khan"
Khan is my favorite character on this show because he's the only character who is actually horrible on purpose. I love how awful he is and I find his put-downs hilarious. He's annoying because that's who he is, rather than because the writers need a scape-goat for the week to vent their frustrations on idiots. Peggy is usually the victim of that little self-indulgence.
I loved Khan being a singer (like Batman in JLU you were SHOCKED when he nailed it) and thought his father in law stealing his song was particularly cruel even by THAT family's standards. I also actually enjoyed Bobby and Peggy's betting sideplot which surprised me as much as anyone. Good episode. ****.
Battlestar Galactica Season Three
What is turning out to be Battlestar Galactica's second to last season had a lot of surprises and cool revelations (including the shocking identities of four new Cylons in the season finale. This was also the season where Baltar is finally put on trial for crimes against humanity and the fate of the people on New Caprica is revealed. We got more insights into the Cylons this season than we did with them in the first two seasons put together. While the season has a few too many standalone episodes the mythology stuff is pretty much as good as ever. I liked the season a lot. ****1/2.
Occupation: Good kick-off to the season. It was a pleasant surprise to see Sharon and Adama friends and Sharon an officer. The Resistance stuff on New Caprica was great. Micheal Hogan deserved an Emmy for his performance as Tigh here. Why is this series always snubbed? And Brother Cavil is both creepy and funny. The last shot of Duck blowing himself to smithereens was awesome. ****1/2.
Precipice: Things just keep getting worse and worse. I love how incredulous the Resistance was that Adama was sending Sharon. And Baltar being forced to sign the death list at gunpoint was shocking. I was never too crazy about the Kara/ Leoben sideplot though. ****.
Exodus: Part 1: The first part is basically set-up for the awesome conclusion. The cliffhanger rocked too. ****.
Exodus: Part 2: Tigh's last scene with his wife was heart-breaking. But the real joy of the episode is seeing the Galactica on the edge of destruction (indeed closer than it has ever come before) only to have Lee and the Pegasus come to the rescue. ****1/2.
Collaborators: This episode is basically an affirmation of Felix Gaeta and makes it clear in no uncertain terms whatsoever that he is a White Hat and was NO collaborator even though he was Baltar's Chief of Staff. Jammer's last scene pleading for his life was chilling and it was great that Gaeta refused to beg for his own life only to have Kara demand he do so after she heard his admission of helping the Resistance earlier in the episode. This was fantastic. *****.
Torn: I love Baltar aboard the Cylon ship and him trying to earn his keep with them. The disease sets up a VERY interesting dilemna for the Cylons is contracting a deadly virus. ***1/2.
A Measure of Salvation: Speaking of Emmys James Callis gives a remarkable performance as the torture Baltar. I was also impressed that the series explored the issue of genocide and how Helo was the voice of consience and ultimately stopped the plan. ****.
Hero: Carl Lumbly! This episode was pretty good. I liked how the Cylons basically set up Bulldog to kill Adama. Hopefully we'll see him again next season. ***.
Unfinished Business: Most overrated. Episode. EVER. I was a BIG Lee/ Dee shipper so Starbuck always stepping in trying to wreck Lee's marriage bugged me like you wouldn't believe. The episode is also kind of tough to watch because of all of the blood and snot running out of the characters' noses. **1/2.
Unfinished Business: Extended Cut: Joy. An extra 25 minutes to an episode that feels overlong as it is. The only really good thing about the extended cut was seeing Tigh and Kara bond over drinks on New Caprica setting up their friendship. **1/2.
The Passage: I HATE Kat but I actually liked her episode spotlight (in which she is killed off) a LOT. It was interesting having Starbuck of all people being the one to lecture Kat on what being a good soldier means and the fact that Kat FINALLY acknowledged Kara had a point. Kat's death scene was also touching especially Adama telling her that whatever she was about to admit to him didn't matter. ****.
The Eye of Jupitor: What could have been a practically flawless episode is marred by more Lee/ Kara melodrama in which Starbuck infuriatingly tells Lee that divorce is a sin. But Tyrell in the temple and and Cylons coming aboard Galactica was good stuff and more than made up for that. I also loved how absolutely LAME Laura's justifications to Adama about hiding Hera were. I love that he just stormed out of there. Cavil offering to give Galactica Baltar to sweeten the pot was hilarious. ****.
Rapture: Watershed episode. D'Anna is put in cold storage. The scene where Athena begs Helo to kill her was heartbreaking especially since he actually did it. I also enjoyed Helo telling Laura that whatever happened was her fault for hiding Hera in the first place. Tyrell cold-cocking Baltar and saying "Welcome home, Mr. President" made me cheer. This and the previous episode also gives a hint that there may be more to Tyrell than meets the eye considering how in tune to the temple he was. ****1/2.
Taking a Break From All Your Worries: I felt SO bad for Baltar here and was actually hoping he WAS a Cylon. This episode had been building from the pilot so it was rewarding to actually see Baltar implicated in his crimes. Adama also NAILS Baltar's character at the end when he tells Roslin that he sees himself as a victim. The Lee/ Kara stuff was also tolerable because of Galen's ownage scene of telling Lee point-blank that he NEVER stills thinks about Sharon. ****.
The Woman King: This episode was better than it should have been basically because like Collaborators this episode was an affirmation of a character (here Helo instead of Gaeta). Helo is the consience of the crew which is really something special and I love how him refusing to drop the subject resulted in him caring about other people being vindicated (including Adama offering a rare apology) and TIGH of all people telling the Doctor that he should have listened to Helo in the first place. ***1/2.
A Day in the Life: The Cally/ Tyrell being flushed into space was awesome but Adama's anniversary plot didn't thrill me. ***.
Dirty Hands: The episode that made me hate Adama. Threatening to kill Cally over a labor dispute is one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen. Even Baltar has never been that overtly malicious. The episode tried to have it both ways at the end by having Tyrell sit down with Laura but by then the damage was done. I will never think of Adama the same way again. I DID however like seeing Tyrell meeting with Baltar who in a candid moment reveals his roots (and real accent!). **.
Maelstrom: An episode that tries the justify Kara's deplorable behavior. I should have hated it but I didn't. I like how the Eye of Jupitor painting seems to be setting up something for season four. The ending was powerful but loses some impact upon seeing the cliffhanger of season three. ***1/2.
The Son Also Rises: Lampkin is quite possibly one of the coolest, funniest characters the show has ever had. I like how Lee is given the responsibility of helping Baltar. ****.
Crossroads: Part 1: The music coming from inside the ship is paid off handsomely in the next part. Baltar's trial starts off great too with Laura quietly asking Lee on the stand not to ask him about the Camalla (and it turns out it was because she didn't want to see him humiliated). I sided with Lee throughout the rest of the episode though especially in his fight with Adama. ****1/2.
Crossroads: Part 2: What the-? Tyrell's a Cylon?! So are Anders and Tory?! TIGH?! They had better come up with some GOOD explanations about the final five in the last season because this was SO out of nowhere. Baltar's verdict was predictable but I loved Lee giving his royal smugness a smackdown and Baltar realizing that there wasn't anywhere safe for him in the fleet. The final shot of Kara telling Lee that she knew where Earth was was SO awesome as was the pan to it while Bob Dylan music played. I can't wait for season four. *****.
Battlestar Galactica Season Three Special Features:
Occupation: Deleted Scenes: I see why they left the scene of Kara trying to kill herself out. It would have added an extra level of drama but it would have felt VERY unresolved as is. ****.
Precipice: Deleted Scenes: This meeting between Baltar and Laura with Caprica Six listening was SO good it should have been in the episode. Unfortunately since the episode itself is non-stop awesomeness from start to finish there was no real way they could squeeze it in there. *****.
Exodus, Part 2: Deleted Scenes: The scene between Adama and Kat was boring but I kind of wish the extended end scene had been in the episode. ***1/2.
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Collaborators: Deleted Scenes: Kara is one of the most unlikable characters on this show but this scene between her and Anders gives her some extra dimension. ***1/2.
Torn: Deleted Scenes: This needed to be in the episode. It may have seemed redundant given Baltar's arc but we needed to get an update on Hera and the fact that Boomer is now her guardian. ****1/2.
A Measure of Salvation: Deleted Scenes: The scene between Caprica and Deanna was cool as was Kara's (although the latter was over-long. I didn't care for most of the scene of the Admiral rallying the troops because everyone seemed a little bit too gleeful. I loved the look Sharon gave Adama at the end though. ****.
Hero: Deleted Scenes: Bulldog learning that the human race had been wiped out was interesting but the really meaty deleted scene is Baltar touring the Cylon ship. It was both really funny and REALLY unsettling. ****1/2.
The Passage: Deleted Scenes: Most of the scenes that were cut deserved it. They were boring. But I REALLY liked Kara's extended confontation with Kat. ***.
The Eye of Jupitor: Deleted Scenes: I'm not gonna lie. This scene of Adama furiously shaving while Laura lamely tries to explain herself is unbearably cool. Unfortunately the episode plays better without it. Adama not even listening to her justifications let the audience know in no uncertain terms how appalled he was by the situation. It took the deleted scene a few minutes to convey what him storming off conveyed in five seconds. *****.
Rapture: Deleted Scenes: It's a shame the scene between Dee and Kara wasn't in the episode (Dee has her number) but the scene of Adama getting ready to launch the nukes for the second time is redundant. ***1/2.
Taking a Break From All Your Worries: Deleted Scenes: This scene between Caprica and Roslin should have been in the episode instead of some of the lame Kara/ Lee melodrama. *****.]
The Woman King: Deleted Scenes: This scene of Helo confessing to Adama about the infected Cylons was kind of neat but really, it was SO unnecessary that I understand completely why it wasn't in the episode. ***.
A Day in the Life: Deleted Scenes: This was cute. Gaeta and Dee were both speculating I what I was thinking after after Unfinished Business. ****.
Dirty Hands: Deleted Scenes: Some nice interactions with Tyrell and Callie don't really add that much to the episode. ***1/2.
Maelstrom: Deleted Scenes: The extended sex scene was hot and the scene with Kara at the firing range was cool. The extended conversation with Lee and the extra vision were boring. ***1/2.
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The Son Also Rises: Deleted Scenes: This confrontation between Callie and Sharon was fantastic but unfortunately it was in the wrong episode. It didn't really fit in with what this episode was trying to do. *****.
Crossroads: Part 1: Deleted Scenes: Cool scene between Lee and Lambkin; only decent scene with Laura and the press. ***1/2.
Crossroads: Part 2: Deleted Scenes: Anders and Torie equals boring but the scene between Sharon and Roslin was VERY illuminating and I wish it had been in the episode. I didn't care for the alternate ending. The wide shot the episode went with was WAAAAYYY better and cooler. But it was awesome to actually see it for the first time. ****1/2.
Battlestar Galactica "The Resistance"
This is a series of ten webisodes that sets up the third season and the idea of the Resistance. I wish we had learned more about Tigh's capture but despite petering out at the end the story is pretty good. It's not perfect but it has a LOT of good scenes. ****.
1: Good set-up. I'm really like the new characters. ****.
2: It was a good idea to hide the weapons in the temple. I also like the conflict this created. ****.
3: Mushy stuff with the newbies is interwoven with Tyrell smuggling weapons into the temple. ***.
4: I'm confused. Cally talks as if Galen learning Cavil was a Cylon was a recent development but if I understand my BSG timeline correctly this episode takes place over a year after the season finale. Bleak and shocking ending to this part. ****1/2.
5: I loved the fall-out here. The red-headed guy is a good actor. ****1/2.
6: Tensions escalate between Tigh and Jammer. ****.
7: Gettin' good. The Cylon with the knife freaked me out. *****.
8: This is great! It explains a LOT of things about New Caprica and why Jammer helped the Cylons. Neat! *****.
9: I have never seen Tyrell so threatening. ****.
10: Boring ending. I was hoping we'd actually see Tigh getting captured but no such luck. **1/2.
Battlstar Galactica Season Three Special Feature Overall: *****.
Enchanted
This is a movie that could have COMPLETELY gone off the rails if it didn't have an actress like Amy Adams to sell it. My worst fear about the movie when I heard about it was that it was going to be like The Brady Bunch Movie which disparaged the source material rather than paid tribute to it. Now I actually LIKED The Brady Bunch Movie because I HATE The Brady Bunch so it was GOOD to see it get a well-deserved smacking around. The thing that worried me HERE is that I actually like Disney Fairy Tale movies.
It's nothing like The Brady Bunch Movie at all. It pokes fun of how silly fairy tales are but at the same time it's pretty obvious that everyone IN fairy tales is in a much happier place in their lives with clear senses of right and wrong and happy endings that actually STAY happy, not because the characters actually MAKE their relationships work but because they don't know HOW to do it any other way. The movie is great because while it shows that endless optimism is quite ridiculous at the same time wishing for something better and going for it is something that people should PROBABLY try to do anyways.
Amy Adams is incredible. I am certain the producers of the movie felt lucky to get an actress who can act innocent and silly without it coming off as a bad joke. You believe she thinks the way she does and that it isn't all just a put-on. I can't think of another young actress that could have pulled that off.
I was also astounded that I actually enjoyed James Marsden (SO mopey and boring in X-Men and Ally McBeal) as the doofy Prince Edward. I honestly didn't even recognize him until the end credits rolled because I am so used to him being a drip. Here he was funny and charming and obviously having a great time.
I like Timothy Spall as the Queen's henchman too who develops a conscience. It was good to see Peter Pettigrew actually do the right thing for once. He scenes with Edward and Pip the squirrel were particularly amusing.
The movie was rated PG but it only had mild innuendo and no swearing. It wasn't exactly like Princess Giselle broke into the real world (although that might have been interesting it would also have been jarring) but more like she broke into a Disney family film which is something I'm glad they went for. Movies for kids are jaded enough already.
Was there anything I didn't like about the movie? Two things: First Susan Sarandon does a good voice for the Wicked Queen but she looks like a drag queen from Hell in live-action. Maybe they were going for that?
Second, and I don't think there was anything they could have really done about it but Robert already HAS a girlfriend and she's hardly a bad catch. I think the producers wanted her to be considered the "other woman" but in reality it's Giselle who is. They tried to weasel out of this tight spot by hooking Robert's fiance up with the Prince at the end but THAT particular happy ending felt thoroughly unearned even though I REALLY liked the Prince and was glad to see a happy ending for him. But in reality (and I KNOW it's only Disney family film reality) that particular situation would have made for some very hurt feelings for all parties involved instead of the quadrangle just switching partners.
So I liked the movie a lot and I plan to get it on DVD. I loved the animated stuff at the beginning because even though it was only a few minutes long it FELT like a golden age Disney Fairy tale (i.e. The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast) and it was nice to have that feeling again even briefly. I had a good time seeing this. ****1/2.
Enchanted Special Features:
Pip's Predicament: A Pop-Up Adventure: This little DVD cartoon was pretty cute. I was expecting a lame DVD game and instead got this cute little short showing what happened to Pip and Prince Edward after Giselle fell down the well but before they came to New York. ****.
Ever Ever After: Carrie Underwood: Some nice animation at the beginning and end cannot disguise the fact that this is yet ANOTHER annoying Disney Music Video. *1/2.
Deleted Scenes:
1. A Lock of Prince Edward's Hair: The producers claimed they cut this extended opening for time constraints but I think it's a good thing they did. Despite some REALLY funny gags the scene is NOT in the spirit of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and earlier Disney fairy tales that Enchanted pays homage to. The off-color slapstick is straight out of Aladdin and the more annoying parts of The Lion King and doesn't fit in with the rest of the opening at all. ***.
2. Leaving Karate: Frankly I'm not sure why they needed to cut this as Robert's introduction in the movie is equally straight-forward and almost unnecessary. ***.
3. I Am Not Waiting For My Prince: This scene had some seriously bad dialogue so I'm glad they cut it. It's not like the movie itself could compare to something written by say, Joss Whedon but this scene's banter is so cliched if they had included it it would have brought the movie's average down. *1/2.
4. Hotdogs On the Bridge: This scene is SO brief that I'm not even sure why they bothered including it on the deleted scenes. And though AGAIN the producers say this was cut for time I have to say that's kind of lucky because seeing Giselle acting like a New Yorker is QUITE jarring even if the point was that meeting Robert had changed her. **1/2.
5. Nathaniel's Revelation: The producers were right that making Nathaniel switching sides a surprise was better but this scene is so cool that I almost wish it had been in the movie. But in hindsight there WERE enough clues that Nathaniel wasn't evil that it's not like it came out of nowhere. ****.
6. Exit With a Twist: I liked this. The old ladies were funny. ***1/2.
Special Features Overall: ***.