mcort5 Reviews

Ironside (2013)

Good but still... an INFOMERCIAL for what I hope will be better...

[4 October 2013]

This was the first episode. It was an infomercial for the show. As mentioned above the actors were well chosen and competent in their roles. I DO wonder why they moved the setting to New York. (They could have stuck with San Francisco and shot in Oregon, Washington or Vancouver).

The writers should not expect to use Blair Underwood's sex appeal to push the series along. (This didn't work with Jimmy Smits in "Outlaw"). Furthermore, they shouldn't trade on nostalgia for the old series (like they did with the failed Bionic Woman and Knight Rider attempts).

This IS the gritty, sexy Robert Ironside that was promised. BUT RAISE THE BAR on the WRITING. (Think: Law and Order franchise, West Wing, E.R.). Some of it HAS to be about police work and criminals.

Orleans (1997– )

Orleans...gone but not forgotten

[8/10 · 30 January 2008]

This show was a high quality effort. It was perhaps ahead of its time. People were still thinking about Southern U.S. culture in terms of HeeHaw, Dukes of Hazzard and Pettycoat Junction. That's unfortunate.

We cannot dismiss the fact that it was genius in how it forced us to see Larry Hagman as "not J.R. Ewing". It gave an opportunity to see Vanessa Bell Calloway who was relatively unknown at the time.

It was well rounded, devoid of gratuitous sentiment, realistic but still engaging. The plot and characters were comparable to some of the better offerings on cable television today. It's one of those shows that just got enough air time to get a devoted following; but not significant numbers.

Yes (I) (2004)

Refreshing take on established themes-Great shots of Cuba!

[8/10 · 24 July 2007]

This movie is a refreshing departure from the usual fish-out-of water / Boy meets Girl fare. The sense of dissatisfaction that She experiences in her marriage is conveyed realistically. His loneliness and sense of persecution for being a Muslim in modern U.K. gives the story a contemporary and relevant angle. The courtly and erotic way in which he captures her heart as well as the use of verse injects the right amount of romance.

Minor flaw: Since it is told in verse, some of the "fleshing out" of the relationships is missing.

Bonus:Great shots of Cuba