Liz99 Reviews

Intelligence (2014)

I like it but it's similar to other espionage shows

[6/10 · 12 January 2014]

I really liked the Intelligence pilot but, on the other hand, I also like Nikita, Alias, Covert Affairs, Person of Interest, Numb3rs, Burn Notice, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Arrow, Tomorrow People, The Blacklist, Orphan Black, Torchwood, The Unit, Almost Human, Homeland, 24... basically, all shows about espionage or spies, either as part of the higher level government security agencies (often secret ones) or free agent spies, trying to combat sinister terrorist organizations, corrupt governments and evil multinational corporations, with individuals who frequently have enhanced abilities (knowledge, fighting skills or super powers).

So, this show is right up my alley. But the question isn't if Intelligence is good, it's is it good enough in 2014 to not be canceled? Will the plots and characters be distinctive enough to distinguish this show from many other series that have the same episodic structure and design? And this question just considers spy-oriented shows, this series also has similarities to cop shows like Elementary or even procedural crime series that are basically 60 minute mysteries with, often, a long- arc story tying the season together.

After just seeing the pilot, I like the characters (or, at least, the actors) well enough but for this show to succeed, it will really rely on the talent of the writers and production crew. Espionage shows already demand a great suspension of disbelief because they reside in a world of secrets and lies that are hidden from ordinary citizens. Viewers won't compare Intelligence to life but to other espionage series and whether the world it creates is consistent to the one we have come to know in similar shows.

Right now, besides a likable cast of actors, Intelligence is trying to distinguish itself through the premise that a computer chip implanted in his brain enables the Gabriel Vaughn character to somehow download every fact that exists anywhere online, even behind firewalls and, seemingly on hard drives as well. It's accepting this premise that seems to be the main dividing line in user reviews of whether people like or dislike this show. While visually, it's stunning to watch Gabriel "cyber-render" a scenario, this show will succeed or fail on whether this goes beyond science fiction into fantasy territory. Will viewers buy this?

The other factor is scheduling and Monday nights at 10 pm is a tough time slot with audience-pleaser Castle and the very promising The Blacklist as opposition. It's hard to see the mid-season Intelligence ranking anywhere other than #3 and it would be wise for CBS to move the series to a less competitive night like Wednesdays or, even Friday nights where it will be more likely to develop an audience. I see this program as one that people DVR and may (or may not) ever watch later. While other shows survive being second choice viewing, it's not a good place for a new series to start from.

Personally, I hope the series last more than 10 or 14 episodes and lasts to a second season, hopefully on a different night of the week.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)

Good, but have reasonable expectations

[8/10 · 25 December 2007]

I really enjoyed this movie...lots of sexual innuendo (more than I care for) but that is what Apatow is known for in his movies. It's too bad because it (along with the terrible Beatles impersonations) cheapen the spot on parody of musician biopics. Reilly is great although he doesn't make for a convincing 14 year old but that is probably the point! He's a great singer and while I don't think I'll be buying the soundtrack, they had a very talented group of songwriters crafting the tunes that propel Dewey Cox to the top of pop stardom. The film is unevenly paced with an emphasis on his early years and then little attention given to his actual music career once he becomes popular. A little too much of the focus on his drug addiction but maybe that is part of the parody factor as well. This is one of those movies that is good but could have been SO much better with some additional scenes to illustrate how his career developed instead of solely on his personal life.

I recommend this film but it's important not to have inflated expectations. It's got some really hilarious bits but don't expect it to be over-the-top funny.

Old School (2003)

Simply the worst film ever

[1/10 · 13 March 2003]

I went to this film expecting mindless entertainment and a fun evening out and ended up walking out after an hour...and I'm surprised I lasted that long. This bomb of a movie will haunt the actors for as long as the stink remains in the air. What were you thinking, Dreamworks, when you took responsibility for this piece of garbage?

I was very open to this film as the reviews I read said it was sophomoric but had funny moments. But they must have been screening another film for these reviewers because there was absolutely nothing original or clever in this film. It was like every terrible movie about excess drinking and sex in college only featuring older actors who should know better. Same cliches about beer and partying, same female roles (stupid sex kittens in wet t-shirts, shrill wives, or virtuous girls out of reach), same moronic men who are afraid of growing up. My only question was where was David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Adam Sandler? They seem to specialize in this "boys will be boys", no laughs, Hooters, type of movie and they would have felt right at home in this stinkbomb.

Solaris (2002)

Not bad, not bad at all (minor spoilers)

[9/10 · 28 December 2002]

I don't understand the other viewers' comments saying this was a horrible film. Yes, I was expecting more and for the story to go deeper than it did. Yes, there was some confusing plot elements (who was Gordon's visitor? how did the other scientist die? what happened to the security team that visited? what drugs was Snow on?!) that become even more confusing when you look at the filming script available online which diverges greatly from what finally appeared on screen. Despite that, the film raises some interesting questions about what would happen if our memories became embodied and developed their own consciousness...do they have a separate existence outside of our mind? Can they grow or develop beyond the confines of our perception of the past? The film could have been much more and although people here say it was boring, I was dying for another 1/2 hour to go more deeply into some issues...things were wrapped up too quickly and neatly for my tastes. Guess I'll be hunting for the original Russian film next!

Parting words: Go see the film and make up your own mind. Considering how many really awful movies are made (Pluto Nash, The Hot Chick, Sorority Boys, etc.) calling this a "horrible film" is completely unwarranted. It may not be a "10" but it won't be a waste of your time.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

You're going to hate it or love it...or both

[8/10 · 2 June 2001]

What a trippy experience. I hated the first 15-20 minutes SO much it was all I could do to stay in my seat. I went to complain to the manager that the movie was out of focus but he said the first reel was suppose to be and he had a letter from the film company to prove it. For me, it was too surreal and gave me a headache. But after that ridiculous scene where the actors offer a preview of "Spectacular Spectacular" for the Duke, it got so much better! What surprised me the most was Ewan and Nicole's voices...I had heard they weren't very good but they blew me out of my seat. They gave 100% which is so risky in a project like this. They both had so much confidence and sincerity on screen and without it, this movie would have descended into complete camp. They sang their hearts out. I liked Ewan from Trainspotting but he completely won my heart in this picture...he was so earnestly in love you could almost feel his joy and pain. And Nicole! I knew she could be a sexpot when she wants to but she almost pulls a Marilyn Monroe in this...sexy & talented but with an added gift of intelligence and street smarts.

All I can say is that this is one film where part of the audience walks out and another part is sobbing at the end! Truly unique. And was that elephant apartment cool or what?

The Perfect Storm (2000)

Seasick

[3/10 · 3 July 2000]

Yes, wonderful special effects but don't we expect that nowadays?

The true heroes of this film were the rescue squads who went in and tried to rescue the fools who ignored all the weather warnings and went ahead into this morass.

I left the theater wondering about all the beautiful swordfish who gave their life to make this movie. I'm becoming a vegetarian.