Reviews

The one and only reason I started watching "Tarzan" was Lusy Lawless.I just wanted to see her in something other then "Xina". I absolutely did not expect anything good from the show itself. But what a surprise. It's not half as bad as I expected. Sarah Wayne Callies is incredible. Her Jane is not a one-dimensional character and definetely not a swept- off-her feet teenager. She's a grown up woman, independent, smart and strong. I like that very much.Lucy Lawless did not disappoint also. Of course it's not her show and she doesn't have much to do. But the biggest surprise for me personally is the character of Tarzan. With every episode writers and Travis Fimmel are making me to take him more and more seriously, which I didn't think would be possible.And I like that the story of Tarzan and Jane' affection for each other is developing rather slowly - it has a grown up feeling to it. I do not expect any intellectually challenging story lines from the show like this. But so far I'm watching and enjoying it every week. My one advice to writers would be to add a bit of humor to it and not to take themselves too seriously.In any case "Tarzan" has my vote.

"Pleasantville" is a watchable enough movie, but it had the potential to be much better, if it didn't insist on delivering the "message". Almost from the very beginning I felt like I'm getting a lesson and if I didn't get it the first time, the creators made sure to bring it up again and again. Even music served the purpose of making sure I get the point. If the movie just told the story and let us come to our own conclusions, whatever they might be, it would've being much better.As it is, well, I gave it a 7.

I won't compare this version to the book or other adaptations, I'll just talk about my feelings about the main characters. I realize I might offend many fans of this "J,E.", but I couldn't detect any passion between Jane and Mr. Rochester. It seemed as if in her he's found the way to salvation and redemption, something pure than can clean him of his past mistakes.He's too spoiled, controlling and demanding. And she was too cold, not for a second "restless", too proper and rational. She is not an 18 year old girl in love! (And of course Dalton is too handsome to be ugly.)6 out 10.

"Xena" was one of my favorite shows and I was very disappointed when it was decided to cancel it. But the series finale was so-o bad and senseless, that the creators made it easier for me to say "good-bye". Thanks. It left a very bad after taste, although I'm still going to miss this great, funny and fun "girls rule!" show.

When I first heard about "Voyager" I was excited. The crew lost in space, woman in command! So many possibilities! But none of them were used. There were not any really interesting adventures (whatever we saw was boring and predictable) or lovable characters. I could hardly stand the robot -like captain and most of her wooden officers. The only interesting character was Seven of Nine (dah!), she's the only one who kept me watching and never disappointed. Were these series created for children? So blah, no sexual energy of the original "Star trek". Who wrote that "politically correct" staff??? I have to admit that they tried to improve during the last season, but they JUST DON'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. Should I even bother with the new "Star trek"? (I'll give them a chance, after all they did create Seven.)

When commenting on "Joseph" I compared it to a puzzle perfectly fitting together. In the case of "Jesus" I'd like to use the analogy of a quilt. First of all the music-mostly it's exciting and beautiful, but at times annoying and noisy. Second the performers. You have a patch of powerful acting but poor singing voice-Jerome Pradon. I think that for a musical one must have a better voice. Then you have Glenn Carter-incredible voice but mediocre acting. He might shine on stage but he fails on screen. Someone should have told him that there are other ways to show frustration and pain than by rubbing and touching forehead. Then you have patches of equally good acting and singing from Renee Castle and Frederick B. Owens and awful over-acting and weak attempts at singing from Fred Johanson and Ric Mayall. Then there's Tony Vincent PERFECT in every sense! I understand he played Judas in theatrical production. Why wasn't he offered this role in the movie? But then I guess it would have to be called "Judas Iscariot Superstar." But despite all the imperfections this production comes together because of another important element-another "character." The Crowd. The best part of this musical. At the beginning the Crowd adores and worships Jesus proclaiming him a superstar. Later It uses him and his powers to heal It from everything from skin disorders to financial problems to life crisis. When Jesus finally cries out "Heal yourselves!" It doesn't forgive. It becomes his prosecutor and ultimately his executioner. The Crowd created, worshiped, and destroyed It's Superstar never understanding his message or his pain. There's another level to this musical-religious aspect. In this sense it's very provocative and challenging. In his last (beautiful!) aria Jesus tells God "Take me now before I change my mind!" Could he? It makes you review your beliefs and "facts." I loved it! At the end it all came together for me and I gave it an 8!

My children and I watched this movie last night for the first time and afterwards we had an hour or so long discussion about nazis, Hitler and how easy (or not) it is to kill a human being. I was very proud to hear my kids' comments and glad that we saw the movie together. I loved the humor (especially the scene of their "date" in the rain) and could hardly hold back tears throughout concentration camp scenes. And I really loved how the creators of the movie respect our (viewers) intelligence by not explaining every scene (we know what's going to happen when Guido's uncle getting ready for "bath" or we don't have to see Guido and Dora make love or to see the body at the end, etc.)It is an original, wonderful and a very inspiring movie. A 10.

"Joseph..." was my first encounter with music of A.L.Webber. When I got the video, my two kids and I watched it every day for two weeks straight, humming the tunes in between viewings. That video was like a beautiful puzzle that perfectly fit together: memorable music, witty lyrics, excellent performers, colorful sets, and great choreography. I couldn't get enough of the fun and beauty that was happening on the screen. Maria Friedman is just perfect! I hope to see more of her in the future on screen, big and small. The idea to set the performance in school is delightful, it gives everyone a chance not to take themselves seriously. I have only two little complaints. During dance numbers there were too many camera angle changes and too many close-ups, that spoiled the pleasure of viewing the whole scene. And as much as I loved the presence of children, I think they were a bit over-used. And they were totally unnecessary, in my opinion, in the "stairs to Pharaoh's head" scene. This is the only time where Maria Friedman looks uncomfortable and seems not to know what to do. Otherwise the video is great. I give it a 10!

Up until two months ago I was not familiar with ALW's work. But I've heard that he is one of the best contemporary composers. Then I rented "Joseph..." and "JCS". I loved both of them! And from everything I've read and heard, I expected "Cats" to top them. I was very disappointed. Other than "Memory" (which I've heard on the radio dozens of times), there was no music that I would enjoy or remember later. I was bored. I kept fast-forwarding waiting for something interesting or exciting to happen. Being a dancer I appreciated all the dancing in the show and the dancers were incredible. But to me, the choreogaphy was no more than aerobics and butt-shaking! I understand they were supposed to imitate cats, but if I wanted to see cats moving, I'd've watched a documentary about them. To be fair, I have to say I loved the costumes and make-up, and some special-effects. I believe I would enjoy the musical better in a live theater, but on video, I give it two paws down.