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UAWildcat28
Reviews
How I Met Your Mother (2005)
One of the most awe ... wait for it ... some TV shows ever! It's legendary!
Yep, that's my own wordplay from the series' famous quotes.
So for many years I never bothered to watch TV shows. Just never could seem to remember the times they came on and waiting for re-runs became way less than awesome. So I just decided to buy them on DVD when they came out. I got a bunch. This show, however, never made my cut on most intriguing shows to watch. I don't remember why. 2005 to 2011 were dark times my friends, dark times indeed, well 2009 and 2010 were pretty good at least. When I started to watch them I couldn't believe that I hadn't before. All I can say was that I wasn't ready to watch. A few years ago I would have missed the clever writing and not understood why some things happened, such as the twists and stuff (by the way, if you just pay attention to the foreshadowing there wouldn't be surprises).
That's when Netflix came in adding HIMYM to their streaming and suddenly a whole new world opened to me. I was amazed by how funny and grounded, loosely, in reality this show was.
Season 6 is easily my favorite and the episode in which Marshall's father dies is my favorite episode, because it made me laugh and cry, and I didn't even know about the countdown thing. I don't think that was a good idea because the show is a funny show so when you announce a countdown then it just takes away what the episode was supposed to mean: reality hits hard. Instead it was like something exciting was expected but instead Marshall's Dad died. Bad move, but take away the countdown and it's a very special episode. Now, I completely understand that we all have a timer in our lives so it is very symbolic in terms of life and death. At first I thought it was brilliant, but when I thought about it more I realized that it wasn't because you have an audience who expected something amazingly awesome. I am never going to say something like comedies should never have people die, because that is just untrue. Comedy comes hand and hand with sadness. Why do you think that the symbol for comedy are two masks, one happy and one sad? If all you have is laughs and laughs then what's the point? The most epic comedies aren't afraid of using that sad mask because that is LIFE. Life is both a happy thing and a sad thing. By hiding that is to completely miss the point. It wouldn't have been a surprise if you paid attention to the many times Marshall's Dad called and he didn't pick up. Whenever there is a story that has something like that you have to be aware that a death is coming to either character, usually to the person doing the calling.
Thanks to DVR I finally caught up on the series and can't wait for next season. Season 7 ended in a predictable way. Even though Barney proposed to Quin I knew it was Robin who was the bride. The first hint was given in episode 1 and never left me. Robin told Barney that the bride wanted him. Why?? It had to be Robin. The writers tried to take swerves to distract people, but once you understand their love to have twists and their pattern of those twists then it's obvious you can't allow yourself to be distracted, but just enjoy. When Barney was with Quin it was obvious he was going to eventually propose so I tried to see any hints of Quin getting to know Ted really well and become good friends but there were none, hint number 5. They never got close so therefore there was no need for Quin to ask for Ted. Throughout the whole season Ted and Robin each needed to speak with each other alone, that was hint number 4 whether intentional or not. So there was no surprise. Hint number 2 was that the emphasis was put on Robin this season more harder, in terms of seriousness, more than in the past seasons so there had to be a tying of that storyline that involved her in a happy place. Finally, hint number 3 was when Kevin proposed to her, and Barney, of course we knew that he was getting married. That's storytelling.
Do I agree that they should have ended up together? NO. I think that, once again, was a bad idea. I never liked them being together, nor did I like Robin and Ted ending up together also but at least they had better chemistry. The writers try to push that Barney and Robin are so much alike, but the truth is that they are very different so I have no idea why they try so hard on that.
So don't be surprised if Barney and Robin aren't actually tying the knot.
I can just imagine Ted walking into that room and be like, "Uh, Robin, what are you doing?" Why? Because Ted had a surprised look on his face when Robin told him that the Bride was calling for him. That may mean nothing though or I could have miss-read his expression.
Then Robin would be like, "I have to tell Barney that it's me he should be with." after knocking Quin out. Why? Because she already assaulted a woman, well it was to protect Barney, but either way.
Or, a double wedding, now hear me out. Kevin could return ... now the more I think about it the more it sounds crazy so the more it could be valid for the mentality of those crazy writers.
Either way there's never knowing with this show.
I just don't like Barney and Robin together so minus 1 point. Not my choice though.
The show, however, is my favorite comedy now regardless.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
A Dry Cold American Mess
I've been wanting to see this movie ever since I read an article in Entertainment Weekly about how funny it was and included many comedians, that were unknown in 2001, that are well known now. I was completely set to see a movie about camping in the early 80s and when I saw it on Netflix I knew it was time. Then splat, I couldn't believe the garbage I was seeing. Yeah it was cool to see some of my favorite comedians and actors in one of their earlier films, like Paul Rudd, but I didn't laugh once. I saw it as a dramedy trying too hard to have some comedic value but failed miserably. Maybe it was my expectations or maybe you had to have experienced camps similar to this to understand it. Whatever the reason I can safely say that I am glad I never watched this film when it came out or I might not have risked seeing some of the actors' later films.
A lot of people seemed to like it though so despite the fact that I didn't I wouldn't say don't waste your time. Watch it yourself and make up your own minds about it, but I will say this: lower your expectations, you just might enjoy it because of that.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Filled with clichés and dragging at times yet fun to watch
I watched this movie in 3D, which I suggest to avoid and save the extra couple dollars. Don't get me wrong, it was pretty sweet, but it's such a long movie that after your eyes adjust to the 3D you kind of forget about it. There are few scenes worth watching in 3D anyway and most of the biggest explosions can hardly be seen in 3D.
Now about the movie. It was freaking awesome! I've been reading some of the negative reviews and I just have to laugh at them. Those guys are so right about the movie yet they missed the point. One guy wrote a review and didn't even watch the whole thing! Oh well, all I have to say is that if it weren't for the Autobots I would have walked out as well. Yet, I knew better. This movie was never meant to win any awards that has to do with screenplay, acting, or directing. I mean it was done in two years. Two years! That's not enough time to write something crafty without some concrete background like a book. I mean I'm sorry, but I don't think the cartoons count. Especially with the special effects and everything. Just not enough time at all.
No, Michael Bay doesn't know structure in a movie. He doesn't even do transition within a scene very well either! Yet he knows one thing: how to make a movie exciting. And since this movie was done in only two years I give it a positive rating. Yeah I noticed all the clichés and the dragging storyline about the humans. Bay pays too little time on the Autobots and Decepticons at the beginning that I just felt like it was starting to become Witwicky's story, which is understandable, but something I didn't like all that much. Michael Bay seemed to misunderstand the type of story some fans wanted to see. Yet, despite all that I couldn't help but feel entertained at the end. That's because Michael Bay understands that the majority of fan goers aren't going to watch this movie expecting a grand Oscar worthy type movie. They are going to watch it to escape. To watch a little fantasy that is completely unrealistic but enjoyable. Remember what happened with Pirates 4? Yeah I felt like the story improved, somewhat, but the excitement and the overblown action was gone. That wasn't fun.
Yes, this movie was filled with clichés. I rolled my eyes a couple of times, but I didn't care at the end. What is not cliché about this movie is the different take Michael Bay gives us this time. After the excitement, but at times lame writing, of the first movie and the awful, yet at times entertaining, second movie I was hoping for something like Dark of the Moon. I never felt, for one second, that Michael Bay should abandon his formula. It works and it's exciting. All I asked for was a bit more seriousness and no more goofy jokes that the second movie was filled with. At the beginning I felt excitement, followed by some anxiety as the movie seemed to drag for minutes at a time, kind of like driving a car through traffic (I know, cliché, but it's the best thing to describe it), then finishing with an awe of excitement that even topped the first movie. The movie takes itself more seriously, yet there are plenty of clever laughs throughout, and yes a few goofy ones along the way as well as some unintentional ones, but those parts don't negate the fact that when you double-cross Optimus you pay. I highly recommend watching the movie. I don't understand critics and the people who say "it's a wonderful spectacle, but I'm giving it a few stars because ..." of whatever reason. They don't understand that Bay has not failed. These movies are so extremely successful for one reason: it's exciting to watch the Autobots fight the Decepticons. What would make it more exciting would be getting rid of a human lead and just focus on the "robots in disguise" and to keep the seriousness and lighthearted humor. Until then enjoy this movie. "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is a summer movie after all, whether just saying that is cliché or not. It's one spectacular movie to watch. My advice: go watch it and just have some fun, which you will.
X: First Class (2011)
Entertaining, but not eye popping
I noticed all the silliness that the movie had, however I just have to overlook all that stuff because there was enough excitement and actual good storytelling. Those parts helped forget the terrible beginning (seriously, young Eric had no problem disposing of those two soldiers, why not kill Sebastian Shaw right then and there? The way he looked when he yelled was hilarious. That part made no sense at all.), the silly introduction of Beast (Beast, not Hank), the silly introductions of all the names overall, the decision of some of the mutants to choose a side was also laughable, and the laughable form of Eric using his powers. I'll even ask this: why is Eric helping lead the charge of finding these mutants? It seemed like Charles and Eric were forced into a quick relationship because that's what was supposed to happen. The movie didn't flow smoothly either. It was so disjointed that it made The Last Stand look like the most straight forward movie ever. It was better than Wolverine at least.
But I say: so what? The movie was entertaining and worth seeing. There were a ton of laughs. Yeah I was expecting something totally dark or at least near the tone of the second movie, especially with Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) directing. Yet, there was a nice balance of darkness and humor.
Overall, I thought the movie was good, not great, but good. Good enough to see at least once (for me, I will definitely see it again).
Dexter: The Getaway (2009)
Awful ending to a mediocre season (spoilers!)
I know I'm two years behind, but I just started to watch this show the past couple of months on a recommendation by a friend and I fell in love with it. However, this season had to come. First, the writers seemed confused on where to go and seemed to just come up with random things for Dexter to do. Some story lines (Laguerta and Batista) were pointless. The only two things the writers did right was Deb's story and Rita's and Dexter's story ... But then they botched both story lines in this finale. I didn't like the idea of that reporter being Trinity's daughter. I thought that was dumb and she seemed a little younger than 36, maybe late 20s or right at 30. It was just one of the things that seemed like the writers just threw together at the last minute because they probably had no idea how to use her. I know that this is a 12 episode season so they most likely have an outline on every episode before the first one is shot, but still.
What was up with Laguerta's and Babtista's storyline? That was sweet yeah but completely pointless! Had no place in the story and really I thought it would be Laguerta dying at the end ... or Babtista's but he's more likable ... that would have saved the season and that storyline that was not only irritating, but confusing.
Deb's story this season was so good! I really liked how they slowly unfolded her investigation into her father's affairs, but then they completely dismissed it when she talked with Dexter and he acted like it was shocking. I liked that they brought Lundy back but I thought he was killed off way too early. Makes sense, but it would have been better if they had Trinity actually killing him instead of his daughter that suddenly shocked our world in a twist. I thought that was random.
Okay, before I comment on the ending something about twists first. Endings with a twist are not good ideas at all. You have to be suggesting, foreshadowing, that a twist might occur at the end throughout the whole season. The first season there was some foreshadow that Brian was Dexter's brother so that was not a shock and it didn't come up at the last second, but this season there was no foreshadow until the last episode. The reason that a surprising twist isn't good is because it's too easy. A twist is simply a flick of the pen. A writer's decision to shock his readers, or in this case viewers. There is no prophetic journey and no struggle to get to that point. It's just too easy.
Now for the ending. I'm very disappointed about season's 4 ending to say the least. Now to get one thing straight I'm not disappointed that they killed her off. I'm sad that they did though. I'm disappointed in how they killed her. Here is one poor writer's decision and brings my point of how easy a twist is. She forgets something so she has to go back home and get it? That's so pathetic and so simple. Then the baby is just in the middle of the bathroom floor and starts crying only when Dexter makes that call ... What? So the baby ... In a strange place: bathroom floor ... Stays SILENT until Dexter calls Rita ... In reality he would be crying the entire time. He isn't familiar of where he is and nobody is carrying him. Bad writing.
Look, Dexter is not a good guy. I always felt that Rita would die at some point, but like five or six years in. Dexter's evilness will eventually do his whole family in unless he realizes he has to stay away. It's a price he has to pay, but the way the writers wrote her ending was pathetic and not the right way. That's my beef with what I consider a B- season. There was so much more they could have done with Rita. She should have at one point found out who Dexter really is and then she should have died being in the middle of it. Making him realize the way of life he chooses may be wrong. Maybe she was told who he was but that would be pathetic.
I'm done with this series. The writer's will regret killing her off and probably will bring someone else in to fill the void and to have the stories that should have been done with her but I won't watch. Just a really bad choice that topped off a season filled with bad writing. I didn't even get to the choice of having Dexter being friends with Trinity and having thanksgiving with his family, but that's all I have to say.