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lisek16
Reviews
Privileged (2008)
Book is better
"Privileged" is based on the book by Zoey Dean by the name "How to teach filthy rich girls" and though the premise is the same, the characters don't have the same depth. What's alluring about the book is not just Megan's struggles to teach the girls but bond with them. After watching the pilot just days after finishing the book I was let down. I won't spoil the book for those who are thinking of reading it, but the back stories it provides are far more interesting then what the pilot provided us with. Yes, its ultimately a story of the wealthy and their drama... but the book is something more... If you were less then impressed with the series I still recommend the book. Seeing the promos prompted me to read it, and it was one of my favorite reads of the year.
The Way of the Gun (2000)
Thoughtful and amusing
The first time I saw the movie I deemed it "Philosophy w/ Guns". Then I bought the DVD, and felt the movie had even more merit. Despite the insane usage of the f-uch in the begining of the movie and extreme about of violence i would recommend it in a heart beat. The movie focuses on two men who realize they are either looking at a life of minimum wage or petty crime. They realize that thought one of those two choices is their future they decide to change their destiny. That's a revolutionary concept, that you acknowledge that your life is predetermined, but you decide to act on free will.
Anyways, they set off and the "anti-heros". you feel a need to hope they succeed because they deserve it, and at the same time you want them to pay for what they have done.. because they deserve it. You relate to them, specifically Parker. His revelations about absolution, G-d and life were philosophical to say the least.
I'm not going to ruin the plot, but the movie is based on twists and turns and character connections. It's compelling and in the end your brain will be reeling and you'll be better for seeing it.
This has to be one of my all time Favorite movies.
Scotland, PA (2001)
Dark Comedy inspired by our fav. bard
Shakespeare's "macbeth" is a must read, but the movie can be seen w/o first reading the book. You get a lot more out of the movie if you have read it though.
It's based off of "macbeth" but holds it own. the motive's for murder, comic relief and witty dialouge are very amusing.
It's really a good movie with a dark edge. the fact that it's set in the 1970's and focused around a fast food joint was original.
overall it was a well spent hour and a 1/2
~E
Alias (2001)
ALIAS is my Favorite Show...
I decided to watch Alias because I had seen the commercial and thought that it had to be interesting. When I flipped it on last September 30th, I was amazed beyond belief and the show quickly became my favorite.
One thing to address is the plot. It's not a soap opera style plot where everyone knows one another and there is set guidelines and plot requirements. Instead there are plot twists, and turns and by the end of ever episode after Sydney has completed a mission (or several) you end up staring at the screen in awe wondering how brilliant the writers must be.
The plot is not the only thing that draws the viewer into the realm of Alias. Another key component would have to be the cast and characters. The main character is Sydney Bristow, who is a grad student and a spy for The CIA... but in the first episode after she divulges her secret to her fiancé and learns of his murder...she also discovers that she has been working for the very people who she thought she was fighting against. Sydney is played by Jennifer Garner, who is to star in DAREDEVIL (which is expected to be released next Feb.) Her character is forced to go through emotional turmoil while attempting to gain justice for the assassination of her Fiancé (Daniel Hecht) with no one to turn to Sydney turns to the real CIA, and she becomes a double agent. Her CIA handler Michael Vaughn (played by Michael Vartan, who has appeared in NEVER BEEN KISSED and the recent release 1 HR. PHOTO) ends up being one of the only people in her life who she can trust and turn to. Their relationship is complex, due to the fact that they can not act on their apparent feelings for one another, eventually there feelings cause danger to be heightened and situations to gain risk
Another member of the acclaimed Cast is Ron Rifkin who Plays Arvin Sloane, the head of SD-6 which is an agency which is an enemy of the CIA, and of AMERICA. Then there is Victor Garber who portrays Sydney's father, a man who also is affiliated with the CIA and SD-6.
There are many other phenomenal characters and cast members who deserved to be pointed out. Such as Sydney's closest friends Francie and Will. There is also Sydney's partner at SD-6, Dixon and another CIA agent who works with Vaughn named Eric Weiss.
This Show is amazing and this review can not give it justice. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who is looking for a show with depth, drama and a departure from Shows of the past. The plot, dialogue, characterization and acting are spectacular and if your not watching Alias on ABCYou really should be!