Is it just me?? Or is this show just one big long drawn out snore fest. I was a fan of the books as well, but after awhile I also started to find it boring and exceedingly repetitive to the point that I stopped reading it.
As for the show, I like the cast of actors, characters. The production values are good. And the scripts seem to be well written. I guess it's just the content that needs some tweaking. I need something more to go on than a bunch of arguing and complaining in every episode. I seen a poster the other day, that basically said an hour of people bitching and sometimes a zombie shows up.
Now the Zombie tales are about people and the undead are a backdrop. But, it doesn't have to be so boring. The season has been picking up as it has progressed. But I am getting to the point that I may be in favor of not having any more seasons if things don't get spiced up some.
Maybe they need to be on the road more, scavenging supplies as they go. Traveling and running into more strangers along the way. And losing someone every 5 or 6 episodes. And just follow the core of the group. Throw the red shirts to the zombies to keep things interesting.
Maybe I should look back at the book and see what has gone on since I stopped. But the last time I did that, I didn't even read to the end. Since it was just like more of the same over and over again.
There are more than a handful of good shows out now to keep up with. I don't know if this will be on my schedule next season or not.
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Monday, August 20, 2012
Legend of the Seeker
I ended up watching this after a recommendation. One of which I sat on for about a week or more, since what little I saw of it reminded me too much of the old Hercules and Xena. And once I knew Raimi was involved, it was like no..
But I was bored enough, and both season were on Netflix so I started watching it. And it's shame that the show was cancelled. I have never read or even heard of the books before now. But the show is your typical fantasy romp, and nothing too complicated. But I can say that it pleasantly falls into the category of being the best of the Hercules and Xena 'Mold'
The show isn't too campy, funny or silly. And strikes the right edge. And the casting turned out to be quite good. I especially liked the 'Train Man' from the matrix. He made a fantastic wizard, and the icing on the cake was the fact they actually spent some money on FX and he could cast more than 1 spell. And they weren't shy about throwing around some lightening and fire in this series.
I would heartily recommend it to anyone who didn't mind the Hercules and Xena style, but a little more serious. I have no idea how it reflects on the books. And being cancelled after two seasons, they still manage to end the show without too much feeling unfinished.
4 Stars out of 5
But I was bored enough, and both season were on Netflix so I started watching it. And it's shame that the show was cancelled. I have never read or even heard of the books before now. But the show is your typical fantasy romp, and nothing too complicated. But I can say that it pleasantly falls into the category of being the best of the Hercules and Xena 'Mold'
The show isn't too campy, funny or silly. And strikes the right edge. And the casting turned out to be quite good. I especially liked the 'Train Man' from the matrix. He made a fantastic wizard, and the icing on the cake was the fact they actually spent some money on FX and he could cast more than 1 spell. And they weren't shy about throwing around some lightening and fire in this series.
I would heartily recommend it to anyone who didn't mind the Hercules and Xena style, but a little more serious. I have no idea how it reflects on the books. And being cancelled after two seasons, they still manage to end the show without too much feeling unfinished.
4 Stars out of 5
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Once Upon A Time
A new series that premiered here last weekend.
The show seems to revolve around the idea that all the old Faerie tales were true, and they did happen. But the characters are under a curse and now living in modern times with no memory of their past or the events they were associated with.
It may not sound all that great, especially since I just re-read that above paragraph. But the show seems to have something about it, that kept me interested for the first episode so far.
I like the cast, and at first I thought that this might be more of a kids show. Since it debuted here on a Sunday night. But once the episode was over, I definitely don't think that would be the case. At least for kids younger than their teen years anyway.
The show has its fair share of darkness about it. From creepy characters, to the apparent death of Prince Charming at the hands of the black knights.
So, I am definitely interested to see where this show goes in future episodes. With some of the other new shows I've been watching this fall. There seems to be more interesting on this year than usual.
The show seems to revolve around the idea that all the old Faerie tales were true, and they did happen. But the characters are under a curse and now living in modern times with no memory of their past or the events they were associated with.
It may not sound all that great, especially since I just re-read that above paragraph. But the show seems to have something about it, that kept me interested for the first episode so far.
I like the cast, and at first I thought that this might be more of a kids show. Since it debuted here on a Sunday night. But once the episode was over, I definitely don't think that would be the case. At least for kids younger than their teen years anyway.
The show has its fair share of darkness about it. From creepy characters, to the apparent death of Prince Charming at the hands of the black knights.
So, I am definitely interested to see where this show goes in future episodes. With some of the other new shows I've been watching this fall. There seems to be more interesting on this year than usual.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Terra Nova
The new TV series that started last week with a two hour series premiere. Spielbergs next stab at the Jurassic Park franchise shall we say without going back to the movie series that is slowly being run into the ground, arguably since the original. Being that JP2 didn't have a lot of redeeming qualities to it.
Anyway, now we seem to be 140 odd years into the future, and the surface of the earth is becoming unlivable due to what seems to be pollution and overpopulation. Now, a time machine has been invented based around some kind of temporal rift, and they now choose groups that will go back to 85 million years in the past to start a new colony of man. I kind of had a flashback to the original Battlestar Galactica as I wrote that. But anyway, at this point the whole thing doesn't sound very interesting to me.
We discover throughout the two hours that there is a split between the colonists that have been going back. We have what we could call, the loyalists and the Sixers. The Sixers have split off to form their own group, and seem to be operating at this point as raiders and bandits. And have some spies in the camp of the loyalists.
Few other points we discover is that the son of the camp commander is missing in the wild, and that there is a waterfall 'Zone' that is off limits that has some strange writing, that may or may not have anything to do with this missing son. I should mention, that smartly one of the characters points out that they aren't really in the past, but apparently some alternate dimension of Earth. Or else anything they do could alter the future. And by the end of the two hours we find out that this may not be true..
Now that is the most interesting aspect of the whole thing for me. They think they are in an alternate Earths past.. But if they really aren't, than I look forward to seeing the repercussions in the future. With them not being able to get resupplied, or more people. Or even what may be sent back that they don't expect because of the changes. Because other than that I don't find this show to be all that interesting, but for the new Dino of the week. And I should mention it's established that once you go back you cannot return to the future. It's a one way trip.
Not, it's only been two episodes, shown together as a movie type thing. And I'm willing to give it a season to see how it goes. But, if this thing is really as expensive as I've read (Most expensive TV Pilot ever made) than will anyone else?? In this day and age where shows get canned after a few episodes if the ratings are low.. But then the cost may work for them in this case. With so much invested the suits may not want to pull the plug if they can wring a buck out of it.
In the end I will throw out a prediction, they should have used the basic premise of moving a colony back in time to the Dino Era as a reboot of the movies. And went from there. I don't see this as much of a TV show, but Stargate or Sanctuary with Dinosaurs in place of the Go'Auld or Monsters every week and some different trappings. But I guess most shows are like that, you just change the backgrounds and rename the monsters.
Oh, and props to the offhand remarks about getting used the past atmosphere being so high in oxygen. They could have been referring to their present being so bad. But I know I saw this is a documentary somewhere. That the Oxygen levels were so high then that it would have been a problem for Humans adapted to our present. And one reason why we don't have such large creatures or giant Insects anymore.
Anyway, now we seem to be 140 odd years into the future, and the surface of the earth is becoming unlivable due to what seems to be pollution and overpopulation. Now, a time machine has been invented based around some kind of temporal rift, and they now choose groups that will go back to 85 million years in the past to start a new colony of man. I kind of had a flashback to the original Battlestar Galactica as I wrote that. But anyway, at this point the whole thing doesn't sound very interesting to me.
We discover throughout the two hours that there is a split between the colonists that have been going back. We have what we could call, the loyalists and the Sixers. The Sixers have split off to form their own group, and seem to be operating at this point as raiders and bandits. And have some spies in the camp of the loyalists.
Few other points we discover is that the son of the camp commander is missing in the wild, and that there is a waterfall 'Zone' that is off limits that has some strange writing, that may or may not have anything to do with this missing son. I should mention, that smartly one of the characters points out that they aren't really in the past, but apparently some alternate dimension of Earth. Or else anything they do could alter the future. And by the end of the two hours we find out that this may not be true..
Now that is the most interesting aspect of the whole thing for me. They think they are in an alternate Earths past.. But if they really aren't, than I look forward to seeing the repercussions in the future. With them not being able to get resupplied, or more people. Or even what may be sent back that they don't expect because of the changes. Because other than that I don't find this show to be all that interesting, but for the new Dino of the week. And I should mention it's established that once you go back you cannot return to the future. It's a one way trip.
Not, it's only been two episodes, shown together as a movie type thing. And I'm willing to give it a season to see how it goes. But, if this thing is really as expensive as I've read (Most expensive TV Pilot ever made) than will anyone else?? In this day and age where shows get canned after a few episodes if the ratings are low.. But then the cost may work for them in this case. With so much invested the suits may not want to pull the plug if they can wring a buck out of it.
In the end I will throw out a prediction, they should have used the basic premise of moving a colony back in time to the Dino Era as a reboot of the movies. And went from there. I don't see this as much of a TV show, but Stargate or Sanctuary with Dinosaurs in place of the Go'Auld or Monsters every week and some different trappings. But I guess most shows are like that, you just change the backgrounds and rename the monsters.
Oh, and props to the offhand remarks about getting used the past atmosphere being so high in oxygen. They could have been referring to their present being so bad. But I know I saw this is a documentary somewhere. That the Oxygen levels were so high then that it would have been a problem for Humans adapted to our present. And one reason why we don't have such large creatures or giant Insects anymore.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Life on Mars
I'm just wrapping up the U.S. version of the show. And it's a crime that it didn't get to at least finish out a 20 episode season, let alone get a couple renewals.
Basically what we have is a cop show, about a guy who was in an accident in 2008 and wakes up in the exact same spot but it's 1973. And he keeps doing his job in this new reality that is like being on another planet for a guy that is from 35 years in the future.
With the exception of a few oddities in every episode which are generally nothing major, we have a period piece. A great 70s cop show. That has just an incredible cast behind O'Mara. Gretchen Mol, Michael Imperioli who steals every scene he's in. Not too mention the LT played by Harvey Keitel who is just perfect, down to the fresh faced rookie on the team. As well as the soundtrack. And the weekly guest stars as thugs and cops from other precincts. Not too mention more than a few returning compatriots of Imperioli's from The Sopranos. And that's weird seeing some of them as cops.
The show is based on the UK series of the same name. And they are also somewhat different. Especially in the ending of the US version which is coming up.
But the show was so good, that I figured I'd write some stuff down before I get there. Only a couple episodes left. But another show that deserved to get a few seasons at least under it's belt.
Tune down the odd stuff a little bit, and it plays as a great period piece cop show.
And it's great fun having O'Mara there when he knows what some things are that the others don't, or when he remembers something from the 'future' and wins a bet or two with his smug co-worker. Or has to explain what he meant when he was talking about laptops or cell phones..
4 out of 5 stars
Just to point out, the below trailer is from the Pilot I presume. The cast has totally changed for the series. Although Colm Meaney would have be an awesome LT as well. But I think I prefer Keitel just by a small margin..
Basically what we have is a cop show, about a guy who was in an accident in 2008 and wakes up in the exact same spot but it's 1973. And he keeps doing his job in this new reality that is like being on another planet for a guy that is from 35 years in the future.
With the exception of a few oddities in every episode which are generally nothing major, we have a period piece. A great 70s cop show. That has just an incredible cast behind O'Mara. Gretchen Mol, Michael Imperioli who steals every scene he's in. Not too mention the LT played by Harvey Keitel who is just perfect, down to the fresh faced rookie on the team. As well as the soundtrack. And the weekly guest stars as thugs and cops from other precincts. Not too mention more than a few returning compatriots of Imperioli's from The Sopranos. And that's weird seeing some of them as cops.
The show is based on the UK series of the same name. And they are also somewhat different. Especially in the ending of the US version which is coming up.
But the show was so good, that I figured I'd write some stuff down before I get there. Only a couple episodes left. But another show that deserved to get a few seasons at least under it's belt.
Tune down the odd stuff a little bit, and it plays as a great period piece cop show.
And it's great fun having O'Mara there when he knows what some things are that the others don't, or when he remembers something from the 'future' and wins a bet or two with his smug co-worker. Or has to explain what he meant when he was talking about laptops or cell phones..
4 out of 5 stars
Just to point out, the below trailer is from the Pilot I presume. The cast has totally changed for the series. Although Colm Meaney would have be an awesome LT as well. But I think I prefer Keitel just by a small margin..
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Haven Season One
Finished up with Season One. Wasn't sure what to expect, and in the first few episodes I wasn't sold. But as the show carried on, and we got introduced to more of the cast and the events it managed to sell me.
How many of these supernatural, weirdness shows can we get invested into anyway?? They all seem to be variations of one another.. The X - Files, Supernatural, Fringe, Haven.. Same base idea with some twists to make it their own.
This show is supposed to be based on some of Kings work. But from what I was able to read from Wikipedia I don't see much but a thin thread of a connection really. But what makes this show different for me than the others of it's kind I guess would be the fact that it's grounded on one location.
Everything is happening in Haven. Whether it be the place or the residents. And the down home rural 'Murder She Wrote' feel of the show, or the casting. The show is apparently done near Halifax, Nova Scotia really seems to bring this out. Being about a place or fixed location makes it different. And seems to be setting a tone of mystery to the show. Let alone a 'creature' of the week routine that seems to be a staple of the genre. And something I was concerned about when I first started to watch the show. And they have done. But theirs is just weirder events, no vampires or werewolves here. And hopefully won't be coming up.
And with the finale, and premiere of season two really throwing the things on it's head about the lead character. I'm looking forward to the next episode to see if anything she thought she knew was true or not..
So getting back to all these shows that seem to be cousins with one another, it's doesn't seem so much about whether they all have similar ideas. But how they decide to execute these ideas. So I guess this may mean a vote of confidence for Hollywood not having any original ideas and just rehashing everything. As long as they rehash it well.. And that means good writers.
3 stars out of 5
How many of these supernatural, weirdness shows can we get invested into anyway?? They all seem to be variations of one another.. The X - Files, Supernatural, Fringe, Haven.. Same base idea with some twists to make it their own.
This show is supposed to be based on some of Kings work. But from what I was able to read from Wikipedia I don't see much but a thin thread of a connection really. But what makes this show different for me than the others of it's kind I guess would be the fact that it's grounded on one location.
Everything is happening in Haven. Whether it be the place or the residents. And the down home rural 'Murder She Wrote' feel of the show, or the casting. The show is apparently done near Halifax, Nova Scotia really seems to bring this out. Being about a place or fixed location makes it different. And seems to be setting a tone of mystery to the show. Let alone a 'creature' of the week routine that seems to be a staple of the genre. And something I was concerned about when I first started to watch the show. And they have done. But theirs is just weirder events, no vampires or werewolves here. And hopefully won't be coming up.
And with the finale, and premiere of season two really throwing the things on it's head about the lead character. I'm looking forward to the next episode to see if anything she thought she knew was true or not..
So getting back to all these shows that seem to be cousins with one another, it's doesn't seem so much about whether they all have similar ideas. But how they decide to execute these ideas. So I guess this may mean a vote of confidence for Hollywood not having any original ideas and just rehashing everything. As long as they rehash it well.. And that means good writers.
3 stars out of 5
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Miscellaneous Items
Been watching a lot of series lately, and they are all taking turns. So I haven't finished up much. So, this is what I have been watching
Life on Mars (U.S. Version) Turning out to be a pretty good how. Kind of wish I had of watched it when it was on. Too bad that it got cancelled, but at least it sounds like they were able to have an ending.
Community - Sitcom, I did finish season one, and am now catching up on Season two. And the show just seems to get better. And I don't usually care for too many comedies on television. Or movies for that matter. Although the themed episodes seem to be better. And the Halloween episodes seem to rival The Simpsons to me for entertainment value.
Breaking Bad - Coming back this Sunday for season four. And I can't wait. Been an awesome show so far.
Torchwood Miracle Day - New series finally, only seen the first episode so far. But if it's on the level with the last series should be pretty good.
Haven - Based on Kings work, which I am normally not much of a fan of. Only seen the first episode so far. But, not real impressed yet. Seems like just another X - Files weird happening show.
Leverage - New season is airing. Been a fan of this show since season one.
Damages - New season of this legal drama type show is airing.. Been a great show, don't expect the current season to be a let down.
True Blood - The new season is looking better than last, but they have strayed so far from the books it's anyone's guess. Having read all the books but the last one I don't see why they had to. There was lots of material to keep them busy with only 13 episode seasons for awhile I would have thought.
Falling Skies - Jericho meets V.. Good show so far..
Game of Thrones - Best thing I have seen bar none pretty much, in a long time. Season two can't come soon enough.
Money in the Bank coming up tomorrow night, hard to see how this won't be interesting. But could also lead to some big disappointments in the end. Let's hope they swerve everyone and put on a fantastic finish with Punk.
Harry Potter opens this weekend, looks good. But we all know how misleading trailers can be. And Captain America and Cowboys and Aliens are coming up..
Thinking about opening WoW account again.. Tried the 7 Day Firelands trial and it was so - so .. Can't quite remember the groove to playing half my classes but one. Not sure I want to continue the grind to 85 on all of them. But with no place to rent PS3 titles here anymore, not much else to play with. Maybe Diablo 3 before next spring. Battlefield 3 looked nice, loved that series in the past. But the leaked recommended specs are just way too high for me.
Do have a few console titles to finish up, but just haven't felt like it. Dragon Age 2 was quite fun, but I took a few days off from it. And just never got back into it. Same thing for WWE All Stars and Red Dead Redemption.
And I haven't turned the XBox on in months. And with no place to rent Gears of War 3 this fall I probably won't. If I buy any console game between now and the end of the year it will have to be Mass Effect 3. What a phenomenal series.
And I did pick up an extra Battle Blades Bumblebee so I could have one for alt mode. Sincel Bee has rubbed off on me more since TF3. But now I think I will have to get the DoTM Leader Bee since he has apparently official Stealth Force Alt mode that looks awesome.
Life on Mars (U.S. Version) Turning out to be a pretty good how. Kind of wish I had of watched it when it was on. Too bad that it got cancelled, but at least it sounds like they were able to have an ending.
Community - Sitcom, I did finish season one, and am now catching up on Season two. And the show just seems to get better. And I don't usually care for too many comedies on television. Or movies for that matter. Although the themed episodes seem to be better. And the Halloween episodes seem to rival The Simpsons to me for entertainment value.
Breaking Bad - Coming back this Sunday for season four. And I can't wait. Been an awesome show so far.
Torchwood Miracle Day - New series finally, only seen the first episode so far. But if it's on the level with the last series should be pretty good.
Haven - Based on Kings work, which I am normally not much of a fan of. Only seen the first episode so far. But, not real impressed yet. Seems like just another X - Files weird happening show.
Leverage - New season is airing. Been a fan of this show since season one.
Damages - New season of this legal drama type show is airing.. Been a great show, don't expect the current season to be a let down.
True Blood - The new season is looking better than last, but they have strayed so far from the books it's anyone's guess. Having read all the books but the last one I don't see why they had to. There was lots of material to keep them busy with only 13 episode seasons for awhile I would have thought.
Falling Skies - Jericho meets V.. Good show so far..
Game of Thrones - Best thing I have seen bar none pretty much, in a long time. Season two can't come soon enough.
Money in the Bank coming up tomorrow night, hard to see how this won't be interesting. But could also lead to some big disappointments in the end. Let's hope they swerve everyone and put on a fantastic finish with Punk.
Harry Potter opens this weekend, looks good. But we all know how misleading trailers can be. And Captain America and Cowboys and Aliens are coming up..
Thinking about opening WoW account again.. Tried the 7 Day Firelands trial and it was so - so .. Can't quite remember the groove to playing half my classes but one. Not sure I want to continue the grind to 85 on all of them. But with no place to rent PS3 titles here anymore, not much else to play with. Maybe Diablo 3 before next spring. Battlefield 3 looked nice, loved that series in the past. But the leaked recommended specs are just way too high for me.
Do have a few console titles to finish up, but just haven't felt like it. Dragon Age 2 was quite fun, but I took a few days off from it. And just never got back into it. Same thing for WWE All Stars and Red Dead Redemption.
And I haven't turned the XBox on in months. And with no place to rent Gears of War 3 this fall I probably won't. If I buy any console game between now and the end of the year it will have to be Mass Effect 3. What a phenomenal series.
And I did pick up an extra Battle Blades Bumblebee so I could have one for alt mode. Sincel Bee has rubbed off on me more since TF3. But now I think I will have to get the DoTM Leader Bee since he has apparently official Stealth Force Alt mode that looks awesome.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
RAW CM Punk Promo 062711
What an awesome promo tonight from CM Punk.. Enough to get you excited about what we should be seeing on the show. Some real spark, and attitude.. But wait that was the attitude era and we don't have that anymore sadly.. These days the WWE isn't even employing Wrestlers or is even a Wrestling company anymore..
Anyway, it should be an interesting few weeks until Money in the Bank.. To see whether he actually leaves with the title or not.. Because the one problem I see with all this is that, he won't be going anywhere with any belt if they (Vince) doesn't allow it. So, all this talk about a shoot promo and such doesn't mean much when he keeps saying he's taking the title with him. Because we all know that won't happen. Medusa got away with it once years ago, and a war almost broke out over the Montreal Screw job to prevent a possibility of it a second time.
But if he's genuinely unhappy hopefully he finds a home somewhere that will be better suited for him. And maybe he'll be back, or we'll get to see his work where ever he lands.
Anyway, it should be an interesting few weeks until Money in the Bank.. To see whether he actually leaves with the title or not.. Because the one problem I see with all this is that, he won't be going anywhere with any belt if they (Vince) doesn't allow it. So, all this talk about a shoot promo and such doesn't mean much when he keeps saying he's taking the title with him. Because we all know that won't happen. Medusa got away with it once years ago, and a war almost broke out over the Montreal Screw job to prevent a possibility of it a second time.
But if he's genuinely unhappy hopefully he finds a home somewhere that will be better suited for him. And maybe he'll be back, or we'll get to see his work where ever he lands.
Monday, June 27, 2011
PRIMEVAL
A science fiction BBC series about a group of scientists who setup a top secret organization with the government to investigate rips in space / time that lead to the past and allow dinosaurs and creatures into the present.
Over the course of the series currently 5 series they discover that they actually lead not only to the past but the future as well. And that they are causing ripples and a possibly catastrophic outcomes in the far future.
The show evolves throughout the course of the series, with some characters who die, and others who are changed because of the events that transpire. New people come, they get more help. And the CGI for creature effects get better and better.
The first time I caught the show, I watched a few episodes and found it interesting. But, didn't watch much else until recently. The show does take some time to get going. And I find I like the less 'polished' for lack of a better word of the BBC productions. I'm not sure I would want to see a spit and polished Hollywood production of this show.
The show does remind me of Stargate, but the show comes to them though the rifts, rather than the other way around. And they time travel.. Which adds a new dimension of trouble, as they try not to cause ripples that could affect the present or the future. It does suffer from time to time of creature of the week (Which seemed to be coined when Buffy first came out) but they don't tend to trot out all the famous dinos every week.
Great show
3.5 stars out of 5
Over the course of the series currently 5 series they discover that they actually lead not only to the past but the future as well. And that they are causing ripples and a possibly catastrophic outcomes in the far future.
The show evolves throughout the course of the series, with some characters who die, and others who are changed because of the events that transpire. New people come, they get more help. And the CGI for creature effects get better and better.
The first time I caught the show, I watched a few episodes and found it interesting. But, didn't watch much else until recently. The show does take some time to get going. And I find I like the less 'polished' for lack of a better word of the BBC productions. I'm not sure I would want to see a spit and polished Hollywood production of this show.
The show does remind me of Stargate, but the show comes to them though the rifts, rather than the other way around. And they time travel.. Which adds a new dimension of trouble, as they try not to cause ripples that could affect the present or the future. It does suffer from time to time of creature of the week (Which seemed to be coined when Buffy first came out) but they don't tend to trot out all the famous dinos every week.
Great show
3.5 stars out of 5
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Netflix Canada
I've been holding off on writing anything about this since it launched back in September. Figured I should give it lots of time to get launched, and flesh itself out before passing any kind of 'Judgement' over it.
At this point I have been a member since September of last year. And some of the items I have watched aren't even available on the service any longer.
But for the last two weeks I have been mainly watching DVDs and running Netflix and decided to keep more of my money in my pocket, instead of paying the Satellite companies for crappy choices and poor programming. But most of this is a topic of it's own.
So, in regards to Netflix, I have had discussions with friends south of the border about it. And apparently they aren't too fond of Netflix down there. If that is the case, they certainly wouldn't like what passes for Netflix Canada.
But if your looking for a service to replace Blockbuster or your local neighborhood video store than you will have to keep looking. Because this isn't it.
I can agree with the statements that some of the Cable company execs. have apparently been quoted as saying they didn't fear Netflix, it would be an additional service that people would run alongside their current cable subscriptions.
Programming is updated semi-regularly. For instance, this week something like 50 items were added. And of those I found about 10 that I flagged to watch.
The catalog mostly consists of older titles, Indy, Documentaries, Television Shows, BBC, some recent titles and a lot of kids and Anime. Which suits me just fine at this point.
I have been able to now for almost a year watch things I would never have discovered or seen otherwise. And some Television programming I didn't get, but was available such as Damages, Justified and Leverage. And some great BBC titles like Outlaw, The State Within and Survivors.
Once I cut back in the TV programming I find that I never really watched it anyway. During the regular season what I mainly watched is on the networks anyway. So, I was paying double to have channels that I didn't usually watch. They were just noise in the background.
So in the fall I will still have my NCIS, Supernatural, NCIS Los Angeles, Bones, House and whatnot.. And as long as 'flix keeps updating I'm sure there will be something on that's interesting.
After all I just watched the doc on Harlan Ellison recently, and it was fantastic. Not too mention an Indy flick YPF which in ways was funnier than Hangover 2 and a hell of a lot more controversial.
So I know there are a lot of whiners and complainers since 'Flix launched up here. And the problem would seem to be that they are expecting the wrong thing from the service. Right now at least, and what my American friends have said it will never replace the local video store anyway.
Reminds of when reviewers go to see a Michael Bay movie expecting Shakespeare and complain when they don't get it. Right over their heads.
Netflix is what it is, and it's doing an ok job of being a supplemental service for video entertainment. You never know what interesting little movies, docs, anime or shows you'll find. But the latest and greatest won't be it.
I will say if your watching a series work through it. Because titles seem to vanish with no notice at all.
At this point I have been a member since September of last year. And some of the items I have watched aren't even available on the service any longer.
But for the last two weeks I have been mainly watching DVDs and running Netflix and decided to keep more of my money in my pocket, instead of paying the Satellite companies for crappy choices and poor programming. But most of this is a topic of it's own.
So, in regards to Netflix, I have had discussions with friends south of the border about it. And apparently they aren't too fond of Netflix down there. If that is the case, they certainly wouldn't like what passes for Netflix Canada.
But if your looking for a service to replace Blockbuster or your local neighborhood video store than you will have to keep looking. Because this isn't it.
I can agree with the statements that some of the Cable company execs. have apparently been quoted as saying they didn't fear Netflix, it would be an additional service that people would run alongside their current cable subscriptions.
Programming is updated semi-regularly. For instance, this week something like 50 items were added. And of those I found about 10 that I flagged to watch.
The catalog mostly consists of older titles, Indy, Documentaries, Television Shows, BBC, some recent titles and a lot of kids and Anime. Which suits me just fine at this point.
I have been able to now for almost a year watch things I would never have discovered or seen otherwise. And some Television programming I didn't get, but was available such as Damages, Justified and Leverage. And some great BBC titles like Outlaw, The State Within and Survivors.
Once I cut back in the TV programming I find that I never really watched it anyway. During the regular season what I mainly watched is on the networks anyway. So, I was paying double to have channels that I didn't usually watch. They were just noise in the background.
So in the fall I will still have my NCIS, Supernatural, NCIS Los Angeles, Bones, House and whatnot.. And as long as 'flix keeps updating I'm sure there will be something on that's interesting.
After all I just watched the doc on Harlan Ellison recently, and it was fantastic. Not too mention an Indy flick YPF which in ways was funnier than Hangover 2 and a hell of a lot more controversial.
So I know there are a lot of whiners and complainers since 'Flix launched up here. And the problem would seem to be that they are expecting the wrong thing from the service. Right now at least, and what my American friends have said it will never replace the local video store anyway.
Reminds of when reviewers go to see a Michael Bay movie expecting Shakespeare and complain when they don't get it. Right over their heads.
Netflix is what it is, and it's doing an ok job of being a supplemental service for video entertainment. You never know what interesting little movies, docs, anime or shows you'll find. But the latest and greatest won't be it.
I will say if your watching a series work through it. Because titles seem to vanish with no notice at all.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Prison Break
Just finally finished watching the entire run of Prison Break. It was a fantastic series, and I'm glad that it ended when it did. It ran it's course and ended, wrapped up.
It's very much a clone of 24, in a Prison on the run setting which I would have touched on in my first remarks. But, now that I'm done, I would say it was much better. But then it had the benefit of having 24 as a guide to go by. If anything I would say that Season 3 was weak.
But, in the end it was a pretty awesome ride. And I just loved the cast. They had an awesome ensemble working. T Bag especially. And Mahone.. Alex I gained a lot of respect for. I recognized the actor, didn't much care for him and the roles he's usually in. But this time he nailed it.
Great series everyone should see.
4 stars out of 5
It's very much a clone of 24, in a Prison on the run setting which I would have touched on in my first remarks. But, now that I'm done, I would say it was much better. But then it had the benefit of having 24 as a guide to go by. If anything I would say that Season 3 was weak.
But, in the end it was a pretty awesome ride. And I just loved the cast. They had an awesome ensemble working. T Bag especially. And Mahone.. Alex I gained a lot of respect for. I recognized the actor, didn't much care for him and the roles he's usually in. But this time he nailed it.
Great series everyone should see.
4 stars out of 5
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Game of Thrones Episode One
Just finished watching episode one. I'm quite happy with what I've seen so far. Lots of familiar faces.
The scenery and the setting looks fantastic, everything looks like it should. And it would seem that they are not shying away from the nudity and brutal violence for this show.
From what I have read, they described it as a Fantasy version of 'The Sopranos' and that could be a great thing. And already being picked up for a second season should be good news. But this was only the first episode.
But with such mentions as Dire Wolves and Dragons, we can only hope things stay with the fantasy. And not just a medieval version of 'The Sopranos' replacing guns with swords.
Off to a great start though..
The scenery and the setting looks fantastic, everything looks like it should. And it would seem that they are not shying away from the nudity and brutal violence for this show.
From what I have read, they described it as a Fantasy version of 'The Sopranos' and that could be a great thing. And already being picked up for a second season should be good news. But this was only the first episode.
But with such mentions as Dire Wolves and Dragons, we can only hope things stay with the fantasy. And not just a medieval version of 'The Sopranos' replacing guns with swords.
Off to a great start though..
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Stargate.. Finished?
Well, it would seem that the franchise is officially over. That's too bad.
Airlock Alpha is reporting that there seems to be little hope. Plans have fallen through for the movies. And with MGM apparently still out of the picture with their own problems, it seems this is it.
With the networks cancelling soaps now, it seems like TV is becoming a wasteland of reality TV nonsense. Not just genre shows are getting the axe these days.
Although good SciFi is becoming all but impossible to find on the dial.. At least Fringe got a Season Four. Lets hope for the best, because it likely won't get a season five. It and Supernatural are about the only shows of their ilk I make sure I catch every week.
Airlock Alpha is reporting that there seems to be little hope. Plans have fallen through for the movies. And with MGM apparently still out of the picture with their own problems, it seems this is it.
With the networks cancelling soaps now, it seems like TV is becoming a wasteland of reality TV nonsense. Not just genre shows are getting the axe these days.
Although good SciFi is becoming all but impossible to find on the dial.. At least Fringe got a Season Four. Lets hope for the best, because it likely won't get a season five. It and Supernatural are about the only shows of their ilk I make sure I catch every week.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
PRISON BREAK S1
Just managed to finish watching Prison Break Season One.
When it was originally airing I can say, that I didn't have much interest in it. And I'm glad I didn't see it until now. I may not have liked it that much, since I was into 24 at the time. And one such series was enough.
But now being able to watch the episodes back to back (Via Netflix) the series has been quite enjoyable. Albeit obviously a take on 24 in most every way.
The show is a prime example how good an ensemble cast can be. The actors have been good, and the standouts would be Abruzzi and T - Bag. Those two were fantastic actors, who seemed to excel at playing total dirtbags. Especially T - Bag. Abruzzi was just creepy and sinister. Stormare plays it well. I remember him from Constantine when he was playing Lucifer.
But, if you don't like 24, you probably won't like this show. They follow the formula perfectly. Cliffhangers, mini cliffhangers, every commercial break, at the end of every episode. Twists and turns, and plot changes. Mostly good things, keeps you guessing. And tries to hold your interest. Although, as I mentioned I may not have liked it as much if I had watched it while it was airing. Having to wait every week for the next installment.
Having to suffer through Lost that way and then with the hiatuses just killed my interest in that show. We shall see how Prison Break turns out, starting on Season Two now, and I guess it only went to four. Probably a good thing as well, I was getting worn out on 24 by the time it ended it's run.
So, great show.
4 out of 5 stars
When it was originally airing I can say, that I didn't have much interest in it. And I'm glad I didn't see it until now. I may not have liked it that much, since I was into 24 at the time. And one such series was enough.
But now being able to watch the episodes back to back (Via Netflix) the series has been quite enjoyable. Albeit obviously a take on 24 in most every way.
The show is a prime example how good an ensemble cast can be. The actors have been good, and the standouts would be Abruzzi and T - Bag. Those two were fantastic actors, who seemed to excel at playing total dirtbags. Especially T - Bag. Abruzzi was just creepy and sinister. Stormare plays it well. I remember him from Constantine when he was playing Lucifer.
But, if you don't like 24, you probably won't like this show. They follow the formula perfectly. Cliffhangers, mini cliffhangers, every commercial break, at the end of every episode. Twists and turns, and plot changes. Mostly good things, keeps you guessing. And tries to hold your interest. Although, as I mentioned I may not have liked it as much if I had watched it while it was airing. Having to wait every week for the next installment.
Having to suffer through Lost that way and then with the hiatuses just killed my interest in that show. We shall see how Prison Break turns out, starting on Season Two now, and I guess it only went to four. Probably a good thing as well, I was getting worn out on 24 by the time it ended it's run.
So, great show.
4 out of 5 stars
Friday, March 25, 2011
Fringe Season Four
Airlock Alpha is reporting this morning that Fringe is being picked up for a fourth season.
That's fantastic news. Fringe is one of the most interesting, and I find consistant in quality genre shows on TV that I am watching at least. Now that SGU has been cancelled..
Between Fauxlivia, Walternate and Bellivia most recently, it's all at least interesting. Apparently it would be good for them to get their numbers uphttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif for a shot at a fifth season. But they go on to mention that their numbers are good for the timeslot and network that it's on.
So, hopefully they will increase next season. TV shows in the modern day now, never seem to get any time to develop or come into their own anymore before they get cancelled. Just look at the Sarah Connor Chronicles.. It just seemed to be getting to know itself and it was cancelled. And yet V is still on the air.
Now, I do like V.. But it just has this air of mediocrity or amateurishness about it. Like you can see how it has potential but it's not getting there. Even though this season has been getting better, and could be on the right track. But that's a subject for another entry.
That's fantastic news. Fringe is one of the most interesting, and I find consistant in quality genre shows on TV that I am watching at least. Now that SGU has been cancelled..
Between Fauxlivia, Walternate and Bellivia most recently, it's all at least interesting. Apparently it would be good for them to get their numbers uphttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif for a shot at a fifth season. But they go on to mention that their numbers are good for the timeslot and network that it's on.
So, hopefully they will increase next season. TV shows in the modern day now, never seem to get any time to develop or come into their own anymore before they get cancelled. Just look at the Sarah Connor Chronicles.. It just seemed to be getting to know itself and it was cancelled. And yet V is still on the air.
Now, I do like V.. But it just has this air of mediocrity or amateurishness about it. Like you can see how it has potential but it's not getting there. Even though this season has been getting better, and could be on the right track. But that's a subject for another entry.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Survivors
Was a BBC Post Apocalyptic series. Some strain of the influenza virus strikes, wiping out something on the order of 99% of the population.
The series follows the struggles of a main cast that forage, and cope with the struggles of getting along amongst themselves, and with other survivors.
I'm only about 6 episodes in, not bad really. The show doesn't come to a good close from what I've read. Seeing as how the series was canceled for poor ratings on a cliffhanger. Seems like any decent show of this nature never lasts. Jericho comes to mind.
But at least AMCs The Walking Dead is apparently doing quite well. So here's hoping it will last awhile.
In the mean time, you should check this out if you don't mind BBC series' and post apocalypse genre stuff to boot.
3 stars out of 5 (Could be adjusted once I finish the entire series)
The series follows the struggles of a main cast that forage, and cope with the struggles of getting along amongst themselves, and with other survivors.
I'm only about 6 episodes in, not bad really. The show doesn't come to a good close from what I've read. Seeing as how the series was canceled for poor ratings on a cliffhanger. Seems like any decent show of this nature never lasts. Jericho comes to mind.
But at least AMCs The Walking Dead is apparently doing quite well. So here's hoping it will last awhile.
In the mean time, you should check this out if you don't mind BBC series' and post apocalypse genre stuff to boot.
3 stars out of 5 (Could be adjusted once I finish the entire series)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Stargate Universe
The last episodes of SGU are somewhat depressing to watch, having known that the series has already been cancelled.
But, this weeks past episode was a very good one. The end of the arc that was in progress with the Aliens that the ship had encountered at the end of the mid season break.
I found it to be a very entertaining time travel episode, that works well within the SG Mythos with using the gate too close to a star, and having Rush come back from the future with a warning about that endeavor.
The series has been a great, gritty, hard SciFi breath of fresh air compared to the original two shows. Who were mostly TV Action / Adventure with a stab of comedy thrown in. Which was great, I have all the DVDs. But, Universe was also a wonderful show, and taken in a new direction. With a good cast of characters. With no cut and dry good and bad guys.
I just wish they would have had the knowledge so they could have wrapped the series, because apparently from what I have read they didn't know until after the season had finished. And the idea of possibly a TV movie is being tossed about. Of which I won't hold my breath, seeing as we still haven't gotten the rumored third SG movie, SG Atlantis movie either..
But, this weeks past episode was a very good one. The end of the arc that was in progress with the Aliens that the ship had encountered at the end of the mid season break.
I found it to be a very entertaining time travel episode, that works well within the SG Mythos with using the gate too close to a star, and having Rush come back from the future with a warning about that endeavor.
The series has been a great, gritty, hard SciFi breath of fresh air compared to the original two shows. Who were mostly TV Action / Adventure with a stab of comedy thrown in. Which was great, I have all the DVDs. But, Universe was also a wonderful show, and taken in a new direction. With a good cast of characters. With no cut and dry good and bad guys.
I just wish they would have had the knowledge so they could have wrapped the series, because apparently from what I have read they didn't know until after the season had finished. And the idea of possibly a TV movie is being tossed about. Of which I won't hold my breath, seeing as we still haven't gotten the rumored third SG movie, SG Atlantis movie either..
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Cape
Why couldn't we have had another seaons of Heroes?? Wait, did I just say that out loud??
The Cape looked like it was going to be an interesting show. A Hero that seemed like he was going to be in the mold of Batman, Green Arrow.. A skilled, gadget hero. What did we get?? Not much.. A magic cape, that doesn't seem like it can do much. And what amounts to a crappy third rate magician.
Disappointment doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this show. And I generally like the cast. And the villain, Chess.. With his lame looking chess piece eyeballs..
I was pretty pleased to read that NBC had cut short the season order from 13 episodes down to 10. And that meant that the show has already wrapped. Not likely to return. This show makes the last season of Heroes award winning material.
And I am forced to wonder how this show ever got on the air, when we could have had another season of Jericho or Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles..
The Cape looked like it was going to be an interesting show. A Hero that seemed like he was going to be in the mold of Batman, Green Arrow.. A skilled, gadget hero. What did we get?? Not much.. A magic cape, that doesn't seem like it can do much. And what amounts to a crappy third rate magician.
Disappointment doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this show. And I generally like the cast. And the villain, Chess.. With his lame looking chess piece eyeballs..
I was pretty pleased to read that NBC had cut short the season order from 13 episodes down to 10. And that meant that the show has already wrapped. Not likely to return. This show makes the last season of Heroes award winning material.
And I am forced to wonder how this show ever got on the air, when we could have had another season of Jericho or Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles..
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Damages
Well.. after watching the bulk of Season One this weekend I don't think I will ever be able to watch Law and Order ever again. Not that I've watched it on some time anyway.
But if you have any interest in a legal drama / Mystery / Thriller at all then this is the show for you. It took a few episodes for me get going with it. But I like the cast, Glenn Close is great, and I'm just loving Ted Danson as this slimy dirt bag character. And there are enough strings and threads going on, that I hope they get wrapped up at the end of the season. Because I'm not entirely sure who is working for who, and doing what exactly.
Not recommended for people who don't like to think much or need their answers hand delivered on a silver platter.
Watch it now
4 out of 5 stars
But if you have any interest in a legal drama / Mystery / Thriller at all then this is the show for you. It took a few episodes for me get going with it. But I like the cast, Glenn Close is great, and I'm just loving Ted Danson as this slimy dirt bag character. And there are enough strings and threads going on, that I hope they get wrapped up at the end of the season. Because I'm not entirely sure who is working for who, and doing what exactly.
Not recommended for people who don't like to think much or need their answers hand delivered on a silver platter.
Watch it now
4 out of 5 stars
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Fringe
Well, looks like Fox is giving the show the kiss of death. That's too bad. Moving to Friday nights, doesn't seem to have worked for any show since the X - Files what 18 years ago.. And when it moved to Sunday nights, everyone followed.
But, with PVRs and stuff now, I just don't see audiences following a show, and changing their schedules like it happened back then.
And to try and claim that pairing it up with Kitchen Nightmares or whatever Kitchen show and claiming moving to Friday night isn't a death knell is just foolish..
Here hoping they can wrap up major plots before it's over.
But, with PVRs and stuff now, I just don't see audiences following a show, and changing their schedules like it happened back then.
And to try and claim that pairing it up with Kitchen Nightmares or whatever Kitchen show and claiming moving to Friday night isn't a death knell is just foolish..
Here hoping they can wrap up major plots before it's over.
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