servofan Reviews

Inspector Gadget (1999)

A Fun Film for Fans!

[10/10 · 1 August 1999]

This is a great treat for Inspector Gadget fans. Matthew Broderick makes a terrific Gadget. Michelle Trachtenberg does Penny justice, and they haven't updated her at all. She's just a very smart, cute little girl. There's no annoying concessions to the nineties. Brain doesn't talk--almost, but they've picked a very cunning-looking, adorable beagle for the part. Rupert Everett is suitably evil as Dr. Claw, and Joely Fisher portrays a believable love interest. The script honors the cartoon, and the gadgetry, most inventions from the source material, do not usurp the story or characterization which nicely portrays our heroes as simply nice people you'd love to have for your neighbors. Stay in your seat until the screen goes blank. Go-Go-Great!

The Magical World of Disney: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh: Part 1 (1963) Season 10, Episode 17

Dark Disney

[10/10 · 21 July 1999]

A magnificent look into a largely unknown period in which Dr. Syn disguises himself as the Scarecrow to promote his smuggling operations. It's interesting to note that The Scarecrow does not set out to become a hero. He terrifies his own men with a costume that does the Batman proud and a laugh that chills. He serves the towns really only to safeguard his operations. He almost by chance becomes a defender of the newly minted Americans simply because they share a common enemy--the Brits. Patrick McGoohan is eerie as the Scarecrow, and the clever scripting makes him an intelligent hero for whom you cheer. In short brilliant.

Outlaws (1986–1987)

A lot of fun and wrongly canceled

[15 July 1999]

Yeah, I saw it. I remember it as being quirky and unusual. It's a slick joke including Rod Taylor in the cast of time travelers, and the Lieutenant was one tough hombre herself. I even recall one memorable scene when the cowboys just take their time and shoot down these guys with Uzis. The commentary suggested that you had to aim first before shooting. Very enjoyable.

Running Delilah (1993 TV Movie)

Another missed opportunity

[8/10 · 4 July 1999]

ABC has how many dramas? This pilot would have been the start of an excellent series. Kim Cattrall, Billy Zane and Diana Rigg do fine work, and the science fiction elements are slickly realized. The spy facets do not seem childish, and the frank discussions between the two agents are quite novel for a television series. The development of the friction between Mr. Zane and Delilah's "creator" portrayed by the talented Francois Gueteray would have been fun to watch on a weekly basis. It's a shame ABC didn't continue this appealing oddity that stylishly updates the concept of the cyborg.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

"The horror, the horror..."

[1/10 · 4 July 1999]

This is the foulest Godzilla film in the series. It features an annoying kid. Attrocious songs and can only be watched with the buffer of the bots, Joel or Mike. Avoid at all costs.

Chameleon (1998 TV Movie)

A very good night at the movies.

[9/10 · 13 June 1999]

"Chameleon" features excellent acting by Bobbie (Dr. Bug Lady from the X-Files) Phillips whose buff muscle-play reinforces her role as a genetically engineered human. The young actor who portrays Gan, the kid, also displays an accomplished flair for drama--very rare. The effects including a cool skin camouflage are used judiciously and successfully. The intelligent script relies heavily on the characters--which is always a good thing in my book. I get the feeling UPN was considering this movie as a pilot. It's a shame they didn't run with it.