Reviews - Reviews - Reviews

Book: "Quidditch Through the Ages"

2006-06-05T16:59:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
From the author who brought you the Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling), this book is background puzzle piece that adds light to the magical game of Quidditch.

A Synopsis: This book is a short 56 pages, and a quick read. There are a couple other "background" books to the Harry Potter series, and hopefully more are to come. Jo (aka, J.K. Rowling) has many notes on background stories of people, places, and things--and must in order for the story of Harry Potter to unfold properly. This book, from the Hogwarts' Library, takes you through the ages telling of how the game of Quidditch has changed and evolved: its name, the number of people, the purpose, the different elements of the Quidditch pitch, and even how the golden snitch was introduced! If you like Harry Potter and are interested in a little background story, this book is for you.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 3.5 / 5.0

Movie: "Fun with Dick and Jane"

2006-05-30T09:25:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
Even having been a remake, I never saw the first one. However, this movie is sufficient in itself. If you're a Jim Carrey, you should like this movie.

A Synopsis: 1 hr 30 min. A comedy. Téa Leoni (Jane) and Jim Carrey (Dick) are a couple whose life gets turned upside-down. Upon Dick getting a promotion at work, Jane decides to quit her job to stay at home with their son. However, soon after his promotion, Dick's business goes under and becomes defunct. Now Dick & Jane need to make ends meet somehow. They ultimately decide to turn to a life of crime to pay the bills. Eventually they plan to steal back what CEO Jack McCallister (Alec Baldwin) had taken from them.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 3.5 / 5.0

TV Sitcom: "The Golden Girls"

2006-05-24T14:50:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
As of June 2006, the firts 5 complete seasons are on DVD! The picture here is of Season 2, but this review extends to the whole series. If you like '80's sitcoms, you like this one!

A Synopsis: Dorothy (Bea Arthur), her mom Sophia (Estelle Getty), and Rose (Betty White) all live together in Miami with their frind Blanche (Rue McClanahan). Running from 1985 - 1992, the 7 seasons were filled with fun & laughter. Famous celebrities / actors, for instance George Clooney and Sonny Bono, made appearances often. The sextagenarians (although Blanche is in her 50's) go through many things in life. However their approach is different. Sophia is the "wise" (interesting name coincidence) old woman who says whatever she wants--and is full of quips. Dorothy is the intelligent, learned one who has a lot of dry sarcasm to offer. Rose is the innocent, naive one who often plays the butt of jokes. And Blanche is the promiscuous, slutty one who gets called names, like "tramp" a lot. In reality, though, this show did present many taboo subjects (e.g. AIDS, a woman's life after menopause, sex after 50, inter-racial relationships, homosexuality, various diseases / illnesses, etc.), and brought them up in a non-threatening manner. The show "Empty Nest" was a spin-off of this sitcom.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 4.5 / 5.0

Movie: "Road to Perdition"

2006-05-24T14:49:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
Set during a time of prohibition and the depression, this movie does a good job at conveying it. And Tom Hanks plays a believable dad set in those times.

A Synopsis: 1 hr 57 min. As I said, this film is in the depression era, so do not expect an action packed thriller. The movie is well done for what they wanted to accomplish for this time era. So if you do not like "depression-esque" movies, this may not be for you. The story is interesting and has a necessary unfortunate turn of events, which is a bit sad when considering the relationships of the characters. A job well done by Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Stanley Tucci (also Daniel Craig and Jude Law).

(Rated for violence and language.)

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 3.5 / 5.0

Movie: "The Da Vinci Code"

2006-05-22T11:43:00.002-04:00

Bottom Line:
Do you want a movie that has an interesting plot line mixed in with some historical inaccuracy and sprinkled with a couple "high class" actors? If so, then this one's for you. Basic premise of movie: the Holy Grail isn't really want you think it is, and Jesus Christ was not as celibate as many people think.

A Synopsis: Without giving too much away, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is suspected of committing a murder in the Louvre. While seeking help from his former colleague, Sir Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen), a story unfolds of what the Holy Grail "really" is, and facts surrounding the personhood of Jesus Christ that "could shake the foundations of Christianity."

(Rated for disturbing images, violence, some nudity [a man's butt], thematic material, brief drug references and sexual content [not associated with nudity].)

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 3.5 / 5.0

Movie: "Super Size Me"

2006-05-22T11:43:00.001-04:00

Bottom Line:
Ever wonder what McDonald's puts into its food to make it taste so yummy? Well, you won't find out in this movie. However, you will learn the effects of eating it.

A Synopsis: For only being 1 hr 40 min long, this documentary has a lot of information in it. Join Morgan Spurlock on his quest to find out what effects fast food has on the human body. He endeavors an experiment to only eat McDonald's for 1 month, for every meal. Some rules include: he must eat everything on their menu at least once, and if when ordering they ask him if he want to "Super Size" his order, he must do it. Throughout the process, he regular visits doctors, dieticians, etc. to monitor what effects this is having. The results are astounding! Check out the bonus footage on the DVD, too.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 4.0 / 5.0

Movie: "Hook"

2006-05-22T11:43:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
Feeling like being a kid again? Robin Williams did! Enjoy this twist on the classic J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan." It will get you to ask the question, "Peter Pan's got kids?"

A Synopsis: Coming in at 2 hrs 24 min, and starring people like Robin Williams (Peter Pan), Dustin Hoffman (Capt. Hook), Julia Roberts (Tink), and Dame Maggie Smith (Lady Wendy), this movie has plenty to offer. The main premise is Capt. Hook has stolen Peter Pan's kids, and Peter has to go back to Neverland to rescue them... and has to remember "how to fight, how to fly, and how to crow" to challenge his old enemy and reclaim his children.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 4.0 / 5.0

Movie: "Noises Off!"

2006-05-19T14:52:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
This is a hysterical comedy! A "must rent" that will pay dividends in laughter! It's a movie ("Noises Off!") that's about making a play ("Nothing On"). Comprised of a cast of big name stars, this comedy will keep your eyes filled with tears!

A Synopsis: Starring Carol Burnett (The Carol Burnett Show), Michael Caine (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Secondhand Lions), Denholm Elliott (Indiana Jones, Trading Places), Julie Hagerty (What About Bob?, Airplane), Marilu Henner (Taxi), Mark Linn-Baker (Perfect Strangers), Christopher Reeve (Superman), John Ritter (Three's Company), and Nicollette Sheridan (Desperate Housewives), this all-star cast knows how to do comedy! While trying to perform a play, Nothing On, anything and everything goes wrong! As the cover says, it's "Screamingly Funny!"

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 5.0 / 5.0

Movie & Soundtrack: "RENT"

2006-05-19T14:38:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
A great musical! Awesome soundtrack and storyline. It's about a group of friends who live in New York--some have AIDS, some are gay, and some just are. It gets awareness of some taboo subjects out there while developing a good storyline.

A Synopsis: Originally made for Broadway by Jonathan Larson, 6 out of the 8 original Broadway cast is back for this movie edition. With its catchy soundtrack and its well-written story, this movie will captivate you for the entire 2 hrs and 15 min. This movie is about a group of friends trying to make it in New York and be able to pay their Rent without renting their relationships apart. On a sad note, Jonathan Larson died the night before they opened on Broadway due to a heart valve rupturing (possibly a side effect of Marfan Syndrome).

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 5.0 / 5.0

TV Sitcom: "Are You Being Served?"

2006-05-19T14:28:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
Looking for a sitcom that has that dry British humor people adore? Well you'll enjoy this one that takes place in "Grace Brothers" department store in England, where people from the men and women's department always seem to get into a fit over one another.

A Synopsis: Join the men's department (Mr. Grainger, Mr. Humphries, and Mr. Lucas), women's department (Mrs. Slocombe and Miss Brahms), the floor walker (Capt. Peacock), and the management (Mr. Rumbold and the Young Mr. Grace) for a laugh that will make you choke on your crumpets and spit your tea out your nose! Run in America by BBC on syndicate, this show ran from 1972 to 1985. Only a couple characters change, but the fun is still there. Before long you will yearn to hear Mr. Humphries say "I'm free" and Mrs. Slocombe to talk of her "pussy" (cat) again!

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 4.0 / 5.0

Book: "Capablanca's Best Chess Endings"

2006-05-16T11:54:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
If you are a chess player and want to better your game, this book is for you. Focusing mostly on the endgame, this book goes through 60 complete games of J.R. Capablanca with commentary from Irving Chernev. (Diagrams are included.)

A Synopsis: There are may openings in chess, and there are many great chess players. Spanning 21 different openings against 54 different chess greats, this book takes the game of chess to the next level. In each game, different themes in the endings take form. These themes range from "Pawns vs. Pawns" to "Queen and two Rooks vs. Queen and two Rooks" and many variations in between. There are indices to the openings, opponents, and even Capablanca's tournament and match record at the end of the book. This is very helpful to increase your understanding of the endgame and how to get there while watching a true genius at work. If J.R. Capablanca and Bobby Fischer were contemporaries, it would be hard to tell who had the "greater gift."

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 5.0 / 5.0

Movie: "Crash"

2006-05-14T15:30:00.000-04:00

Bottom Line:
This is a bold film that captures racism and prejudice in modern society. It has been called "intense" by some people, and it has won an Oscar for Best Picture of 2005.

A Synopsis: Set in L.A., this picture has several storylines that weave themselves together by the end. Whether its white on black, Persian on Hispanic, black on Asian... this film captures racism and prejudice on many levels, and in many ways: the police, the performing arts, the judicial system, etc. As the tagline states: "You think you know who you are. You have no idea." This drama lasts for 113 min (1 hr 53 min). If you do not want to be trapped in your social bubble forever, this movie is for you. [For another review of the movie, and of a few others, see my fellow comrade in reviews at The Fishian Chronicles.]

(Rated for language, sexual content, and some violence.)

Critique Feedback Average (2 votes): 4.5 / 5.0

Book: "Walking in Victory"

2006-05-13T12:14:00.001-04:00

Bottom Line:
This book will help any follower of Jesus Christ to understand more fully the power of having your identity in Christ, and its practical implications. Using Romans 5 - 8, McCallum discusses what it means "to walk according to the Spirit" (vs. "according to the flesh")--and how to live "under grace" and not "under law."

A Synopsis: The book is broken up into two parts: (1) Grace, and (2) Grace in Action. McCallum begins with a brief discussion of the state of man and introduces a main theme: "Our problem is not only what we do, but what we are. What we do arises out of what we are. It's not enough to change what we do; we have to change who we are." These statements are referring to how WE view ourselves as compared with how GOD views us. We need to view ourselves AS God views us--that's what he means when he says "we have to change who we are." As McCallum deals with the Romans 5 - 8 passage, he aptly shows that the issue we need to face is that of who we are, our identity. Many people base their identity on what they do (what job they have, the material things they have earned, etc.). Dennis McCallum shows how the biblical teaching is to base what we do on our identity in Christ. He shows how this affects many practical areas: prayer, scripture, fellowship, serving love, and ministry. He covers ably difficult concepts.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 4.5 / 5.0

The Reviews - A Model of What's to Come

2006-05-12T00:47:00.000-04:00

The title of the review will be linked up to a website pertaining to the content (e.g., IMDB--for movies). The picture will be linked to a site where the item under review could be investigated further (for more reviews, buying, etc.; e.g. Amazon). The typical form of the review will be thus:

Bottom Line: (<-- this is the review rating, out of 5 stars)
Here is where the "main point" or the "bottom line" will be stated. That way, if you do not want to read the rest of the "Pulitzer Prize"-worthy review, well, that's up to you.

A Synopsis: Here, an overview of the media (movie, CD, book, etc.) will be given.

Anything else, like a rebuttal, or any other characteristic worthy of note will be written at the end.

And below, the opportunity for readers (or other "critiquers") to "vote" can be seen. This way, the result of agreement or disagreement with the written review is known to all.

Critique Feedback Average (1 vote): 3.5 / 5.0