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Andromeda (2000)
"It's Never Easy!"
It seems to be a general consensus here that the first two seasons of "Andromeda" were flawless entertainment while the other three are garbage; however, it was Season 5 that introduced me to this show, and I have been grateful for it ever since.
I was 6 years old when I saw my first "Andromeda" episode, "The Weight- Part 1." and I was captivated by the humble sci-fi setting and Kevin Sorbo's charismatic performance of Dylan Hunt (who vaguely, vaguely reminded me of a lesser Han Solo). My second episode was "Decay of the Angel," which I thought was better in every way- with the silly computer genius, Harper, and a good amount of cheesy sci-fi action. Those were the only episodes I saw for many years- my Dad preferred watching "Stargate SG-1" to this.
Having bought and binged the complete series, I can honestly say this show as a whole is a mess- but one I cannot help but love. The first two seasons were very much mature, thought-provoking, divisive, dark, and strangely wondrous. The influence of developer/screenwriter Robert Hewitt Wolfe is very evident in these seasons. Since his firing, the series became more family-friendly and episodic.
Season 3 was a mixed bag for me and while I did like most of it, I do find it to be perhaps my least favorite season, having some of my favorite ("The Unconquerable Man") and least favorite ("Vault of the Heavens") episodes of all.
Season 4 is my favorite, (I feel I am the only person in any universe that prefers the character of Telemecus Rhade over Tyr Anasazi) with the best sets, more evolving story, and intriguing twists and turns. Season 5 suffers from a low, low budget (since Tribune went bankrupt) but yet I enjoy the episodes (except for "Pride before the fall"- which I didn;t care for), finding the new setting interesting and the episodes to be both bizarre and fun, with a decent conclusion overall.
In conclusion I love this show, blemishes, plot-holes, abandoned storylines and characters, overused music score, cheesy dialogue, silly special effects and all. I don't care what anyone says, I enjoy the episodes of the later seasons and find them more rewatchable with my family than those of the first two seasons. Not a perfect show by any means, but an enjoyable one, and certainly more filled with heart and soul than most (if not all) Sci-Fi media today.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
10 years since its release, it still holds up.
I had been left somewhat disappointed by some of the story choices in this film from earlier viewings, but since then I have grown to love this film.
This is certainly more than I can say for this year's "The Batman," which was trying far too fiercely and forcefully, to be dark and bleak. "The Batman" was also a self-indulgent mess, with an overblown runtime, distracting political slants, and a deficiency of proper lighting; not this film.
This film is mature, thoughtful, hopeful, and a genuine enjoyment to watch. Having just recently viewed it once again, I will argue this is perhaps the last great "Batman" film we have had. The acting (aside from a certain character's "death") is fantastic, with even the bit character actors being a joy to watch. So many subplots, characters, and messages are employed and perfectly resolved. Watching this film feels like reading a fine novel.
The movie doesn't waste your time, nor talk down to the audience. It simply allows you to settle in and watch with combinations of intrigue, anticipation, disturbed fascination, and genuine satisfaction as you witness the culmination of what genius filmmaker Christopher Nolan has wrought. For me, "The Dark Knight Rises: did in ten years what "The Batman" failed to do in one; get better with more viewings.
Sotto il cielo di Roma (2010)
"Above all else you are a man, one of God's creatures."
This is one of the best films I have seen in a very long time. Directed by the immensely skilled Christian Duguay, this foreign miniseries has the scope and ambition of a big-screen epic. I was overwhelmed by the heights of emotion within this story as well as fantastic acting all around from the cast with the notable standouts being Miguel Herz-Kestranek, Cesare Bocci, and of course James Cromwell whose performance is one I can only describe as inspired.
The story is always intriguing, but the most interesting introspection is in explaining how the papacy fought to save lives in a terrible time in which many people were threatened and killed. Though much controversy has been brought up about the pontificate during the Nazi occupation of Rome, many neglect to focus upon the exact situation. Lives depended upon the words (and silence) of Pius XII. For me, the presentation of the situations within this film cleared the air a bit in explaining how limited his actions were despite his power and made me want to do more research into the pontificate of Pius XII, deeply and not surface-level as most decriers seem to resort to.
The best scene for me was when the pope and the Nazi general assigned to kidnap/kill him meet for the first time, with the general becoming confused/fascinated/humbled by the fact that Pius insists on seeing good within him despite his actions. As a result. I was blown away with how much I loved this film. The slick direction of Duguay, the powerhouse performance by Cromwell, and the beautiful score and interesting story of a man seeking to do what is right with the power he has.
Blacklight (2022)
Neeson is the new Bronson
A line Neeson's character says in this film, "In hindsight, I probably made a poor career choice," is something he may think when he sees "Blacklight" on his resume.
Joker (2019)
A Deformed Beautiful, Dark Nightmare
In a world completely oversaturated with superhero movies featuring aliens, magic rocks, and constant cheesy jokes and one-liners, in comes this film that portrays the downfall of a man who only meant to do good. He is pushed down and thrown out by an uncaring world and becomes a symbol of rebellion. At the end I wanted to weep for his dark but perversely triumphant fate. Watching this film is chilling and almost horrifying at time, and it is a work of art in its classic storytelling, beautiful cinematography, haunting score, believable dialogue and a fantastic performance by Joaquin Phoenix.
Joker (2019)
A Deformed Beautiful, Dark Nightmare
In a world completely oversaturated with superhero movies featuring aliens, magic rocks, and constant cheesy jokes and one-liners, in comes this film that portrays the downfall of a man who only meant to do good. He is pushed down and thrown out by an uncaring world and becomes a symbol of rebellion. At the end I wanted to weep for his dark but perversely triumphant fate. Watching this film is chilling and almost horrifying at time, and it is a work of art in its classic storytelling, beautiful cinematography, haunting score, believable dialogue and a fantastic performance by Joaquin Phoenix.