shekhark4 Reviews

Alphas (2011–2012)

Alphas shies from breaking new sci-fi ground

[13 July 2011]

with great power comes great responsibilities, but the writers of superheroes show never seem to get that.

Gary Bell is autistic with an ability to (believe it or not) process electromagnetic info right from thin air, literllay. Bill Harken, a former FBI agent who can enhance his strength for a brief period of time; Nina Theroux, can reprogram other people's minds to do as she wants. Rachel Pirzad, who can heighten her senses and do almost anything with them. In the first episode they try to track down another alpha with Hyperkinesis or heightened and acute skills and accuracy. This alpha in question is Cameron Hicks (Warren Christie, The L Word) and he doesn't know just how special he is, but another alpha (Jeff Seymour) with the ability of mind wipe and control, orders him to gun down an inmate through an air vent several buildings away. That murderous act caught the attention of the government and our alpha's boss Rosen (David Straithairn).

The inherent problem with any series involving people with extraordinary power is that how those will be utlized by writers to create interesting story lines. Heroes started good, but after sometime it became confusing with all the time travel and power shifting. Alphas pilot episode, involving a mysterious sniper attack and a conspiratorial threat to the Alphas team, is routine. It's neither here nor there: low on sci-fi mystery and intrigue and not yet convincing as ensemble drama. you never feel the thrill or tension. The most enjoyable thing about the pilot is the performance of gary bell ( Cartwright), who does pretty much the same neurotic, hand- gesturing thing here that he did as Nigel-Murray on "Bones." our alphas have great powers but its success will come down to how the superpowers are going to be used. How inventive can they be?

Falling Skies (2011–2015)

Good intent but bad execution..

[26 June 2011]

Just finished watching the first two episodes of falling skies. Theme wise It's pretty much the same as walking dead. for zombie haters out there, the story is about group of humans (call themselves MASS -2) surviving in the aftermath of alien attack. Will patton is commander of MASS-2 and noah wyle is 2nd in charge. The show starts with child's crayons drawing, showing alien invasion and bits of aftermath. The good thing about the show is, It is told from human's perspective. It doesn't show aliens plotting their next move secretly in their 7 star spaceship talking in English like V.

The writers showed their intent to explore all the angles and backstory on the ALIENS. The discussed the idea that how their bodyguard robots have two legs even if the aliens have six legs, so aliens must be watching us for long and learnt it from us. and i am sure in future they will explore Why did they come to earth, What do they want and how did they find us? But the problem is, these form a very small part of the whole series. Rest of the story is centered around mason family. I don't like watching a sci fi series with people discussing about the feelings in 90% of the show, that too in pilot. Don't get me wrong, i am not against this family angle but after some time it becomes plain boring. The living dead managed to do it in good way. Here the acting is wooden and characters are stereotyped. A supposedly hard boiled commander (will patton), a troubled father noah wyle, a son who will always disobey his father doesn't matter how dangerous or stupid the circumstances are, and a good natured lady doctor who will always treat everyone even the villains because it's her "job". I never understood why writers can't come up with something intelligent to move forward the story rather than falling on drama and interpersonal relationships. On top of that they added outlaws, what the h***, now i am watching some usual rescue story in between an alien invasion. At least for pilot episode you need to have lots of action and story arc which grab holds of your attention, unfortunately falling skies fa(i)lls in that. there is just too much of clichéd story and not a lot of action.

Special effects are great for a low budget series (although i hate all the action happening in the night). The alien's plane look different than the normal saucer based UFO. The series premier lacked flow and cohesion. they need to step up the momentum otherwise i give it a season at best.

Fringe (2008–2013)

Fails Miserably, J.J Abram Disappoints

[6/10 · 15 November 2008]

Just finished watching first six episodes and boy, does it disappoints. The whole cast is annoying and leading the pack is protagonist Anna Torv. She looks like she is suffering from indigestion and about to throw up anytime. Joshua jackson is bearable with is his occasional P.Js. The "supposedly know it all" john noble as walter bishop is really irritating.

Comparisons with x files is inevitable and still there is no comparison. X files had great acting, good character development and excellent cinematography, especially in the first six seasons. Instead of all that, what we get here is poor script, implausible explanations and did i mention annoying characters. There is absolutely no chemistry between cast members. The only saving grace is occasional CGI but i am not sure how long it will carry the show on its shoulder. They desperately need some good scripts and even better actors.

Casino Royale (2006)

Finally, a worthy bond movie

[8/10 · 6 September 2008]

Saw it yesterday for the nth time and thought of writing my first review on IMDb. I was very skeptical, like almost everyone else, when they chose Daniel for the new bond. but when i saw the movie in theater it completely blew me away. Daniel is not a typical 007, He sweats, his clothes are lets say not bondish, he doesn't fixes his tie while somebody is shooting missiles at him. but still he pulls of the bond. Sean was perfect, and pierce was too perfect, but Daniel's strength lies in the fact that he has to try hard to portray bond, and it shows. hats off to this guy. Best bond ever in my books.

Eva excels as bond girl, finally a bond girl has something to do in a bond movie. and boy is she pretty! i had started to get the feeling that bond girls are only for catwalks, bikini scenes or Christmas jokes.

The stunts and chase sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. Action is more down to earth. Don't get me wrong, i really love high octane action, blasts, missiles, submarines, fighter jets. But the action here will generate more adrenaline rush than any other bond movie. A must watch.