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Here Come the Munsters (1995)
Not for me, although a good attempt
This film was poorly executed, from the obviously TV movie Production Design to the casting choices, although Hermann did his best to revive the original Herman as portrayed by Fred Gwynne.
For me, however, the story just didn't make much sense, and the cameos by the original cast members from the 1964 was painful and embarrassing to watch, proving why they weren't chosen to reprise their roles in the earlier incarnation sitcom "The Munsters Today" in 1988.
The only redeemable features for this outing are the appearance of The Munster Koach (although again, it was introduced in a different way), the true to origin makeup and costume, and supporting cast who at points do make it watchable.
Count Duckula: Transylvanian Homesick Blues (1988)
This episode makes absolutely NO sense?
I really don't know where to begin reviewing this episode, as NOTHING about it makes any sense whatsoever.
The dialogue is awkward, the jokes are not really funny (aside from the usual gags of the day such as Nanny walking through walls and sitting on/crushing Mr. Igor etc), and the "story" patchy at best with no explanation of what is actually happening, or why.
The episode is credited as being written by Peter Richard Reeves...
I may contact him to ask what the hell was going on here during production.
If anyone has any ideas, notes or suggestions please feel free to respond. Am sure its not just me?
Spice World (1997)
These girls know how to have fun! They even made their own movie!
The Spice Girls were everyone's favourite target for sarcasm and insults, but no one can dispute that their existence has gone down in the history books, and that this movie is something that has also gone down in the history books for its clever use of comic timing and the ability to never take itself (or the girls behind its inception) too seriously. Hats off to you Spice Girls! This film has cameo's from a million and one fantastic stars (actually its in the Guinness book of records for this!). The story focuses on the girls doing what they do, and doing it well, exaggerating slightly their individual personalities, but keeping it real with the "girl power" aspect and the ability to have a laugh.
None of these girls ever said that they were the best singers, actors, individuals or whatever on the planet, but together they had what it took to be the success they were, and still are.
A must see for fans, and a must see for sceptics. Let the girls take you in... its all in fun!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)
A mighty fine mighty morphin offering!
Although this film differs to the main story arc from the series as a stand alone, its still a great in the eyes of many! MMPR:TM hit the UK around the time the white ranger was introduced and even before we knew three rangers (Jason, Zach and Trini) had left the show. The story focuses on Ivan Ooze, an evil villain who wants to get revenge on Zordon for imprisoning him 6,000 years before. Zordon refers to "a group of young warriors like yourselves (the power rangers)", so we'd assume that the rangers of that day were responsible.
Ivan is freed by Rita and Zedd, but overthrows them and begins an assault on earth immediately, disabling Zordon and his command centre, and destroying the rangers powers at the beginning of their first battle with his Ooze warriors.
The rangers must travel to Phaedos to get new powers (similar to what happened when they travelled to the desert of depair for the same powers in the TV mini-series "Ninja Quest"). While they are away, Zordon is dying and the earth is being overrun by Ivan. Just as they arrive from the planet with their new powers the rangers meet Ivan's giant mechanised warriors and must call their new zords into battle. Phwoar! Will the power rangers succeed? Of course they will, they always do! ;) Great performances from all including the new additions to the team Steve Cardenas, Johnny Young Bosch and Karan Ashley. Kim has a few great one liners, and Ivan is just evil! A must see for all ages... a great fantasy adventure even if you didn't care for the series itself.
Glitter (2001)
brilliance embodied with heart
This is a truly fantastic film - a more than mediocre storyline (the typical rags to riches done to death saga) but done with stunning cinematography, class, elegance and a more than credible cast coupled with a fantastically memorable soundtrack. For all these reasons I do not understand why this film has been so slated since its release.
The multi-talented Mariah Carey plays Billie, who as a child watched her alcoholic Mother perform - now as she enters her adulthood she yearns the fame her Mother's addiction stood in the way of. At the bottom of it, she just wants to be loved... and don't we all? Billie finds love with club DJ and music producer Dice, who helps her find her feet on the path to her career goals, but of course there are obstacles. There always are.
Also a highlight of this film regardless of her limited screen time is Padma Lakshmi's portrayal of Sylk... absolute entertainment, just not a great vocalist (but she does try, oooh how she tries!)
Buy this film... watch this film... rate this film. Its great! (And no, I am not Mariah before any of you go and say it!)
The Source (2001)
This movie surprised me totally!
Most movies I have picked up from my local £1 store have been quite crap, and its only out of sympathy that I would come on here and give a moderate to fair review. This film broke the £1 shop mould, and was actually very good! Good acting (for the most), good story, good casting and a good ending.
The only thing that spoiled it was Reece's Dad's bad overdubbing in the opening scenes driving in the car and the fact that some scenes were repeated to pad out what was edited out for the UK release.
This film is well worth picking up if you see it, and well worth watching if it comes on TV. And doesn't the bad girl of the plot look like Saskia from UK Big Brother? ;)
The Munsters Today (1987)
Fantastic colour re-make in mu opinion...
The Munsters Today is one of the first television shows in history to recast for a new version of the show. Here we see a terrific cast, hilarious plots and all round daftness that can only be expected of the family Munster. Excellent performances from Lee Meriwether as Lily and the late great Howard Morton as Grandpa.
Well worth watching if you have a chance - these episodes are rare to come by. Even rarer is the 1988 "The Munsters Today, pilot episode" featuring Mary Ellen Dunbar as Marilyn. The episode begins in b&w and explains how the Munster family "went to sleep" 22 years ago and how they awoke "today". Great idea for a storyline the "suspended in time" theme. Meant that the family didn't have to be any older. The show wasn't popular with die hard fans of the original show, however attracted a new and previously uninterested audience to the "long since dead" Munster format from 1964.
Search the web, search file sharing peer networks, search boot sales and search anywhere you can to find these episodes. Fantastic overall.
Kyôryû sentai Jûrenjâ (1992)
My thoughts . . .
I like Power Rangers, and it wasn't until late in 1996 I became aware of Sentai. Zyuranger from what I have seen appears to be darker that Power Rangers in a lot of ways even though there is a lot of silly humour in Zyuranger. I wish that a lot more Zyuranger footage had been used in Power Rangers, and I wish that the character dynamics had been copied to PR more. Also, I wish that Zyuranger would come out on video for the UK. I have still never seen the first ZYU ep - and I really really want to!!!! Does anyone have any video files of zyu for the first ep that they'd be willing to share? Does anyone know of any cool zyu sites out there or any cool zyu related stories or behind the scenes stuff? Please let me know.
Day of the Dead (1985)
My feelings on the movie
Ok, this film is great! It had me peeing myself as a kid . . . freaky stuff about the way it could possibly happen if zombies were to emerge from the dirt beneath our feet. One of the zombies actually in all honestly looks like my step-mother does, and she ain't dead yet!!!
This film puts me in mind of an early 28 Days Later - with all the neccessary stuff to send chills down your spine. The bit at the beginning with the hands always got me, lol.
George A. Romero is the main man for the "dead" movies. He started the craze and is still hailed as the "hero of the dead". Even the first night of the living dead was good for it's day. I can't wait to see the new DAWN OF THE DEAD film when it comes out.