HDbahn Reviews

Unforgettable (2011–2016)

bungled directing 101

[21 September 2011]

I might have been able to enjoy this show except for an obvious flaw in the depiction of the main character's memories. Several scenes were shot in flashback accompanied by her "third person" body looking at the scene from a non-existent perspective. You can't see yourself in memories, or anything else from outside your body. I guess this director was last in class and trying to follow the gimmicks of Without A Trace (disappearance fades) and Cold Case (flashback wipes). This sort of reminds me of how stupid I thought Ghost Whisperer was when you had to sit through a ghost talking to Melinda, and then Melinda repeating the tale to a third party. That's not an analogy for this directing gaffe, just an observation of how to annoy viewers!

Heartland (I) (2007)

Best show I've seen disappear

[29 October 2007]

I thought this was nothing like "House" and (fortunately) nothing like the serious/soapy ERs either. Treat Williams plays a bit softhearted in contrast to his workaholic relationship-killing type, but the stories were genuinely touching and good PR for organ donation (give blood/give life- or get a tattoo and wait a year. This is strictly my opinion and I'm willing to pad with it- I think my short comments on the show are accurate). No gimmicky triumphs making the genius look good. Also, it employs at least one actor/actress from Invasion, which was foolishly deployed at the same time as Threshold and that other sci-fi sea creature thriller that all bit the dust. (Don't these writers ever call each other?)

Stuck on You (2003)

Musical Finale Should Have Won Award

[2/10 · 4 July 2005]

This sort of comedy is either something you expect to enjoy as light entertainment or else you are wasting your time analyzing. Although I don't like "dumb" humor I'm glad I stumbled into this one while channel surfing. The finale seems to be removed from the plot, but If you came this far you weren't worried about a spoiler. It is truly one of the greatest movie musical performances in history. Greg Kinnear fronts a mighty tight rendition of "Summertime" that stands above its eminent fore-bearers. I don't know how to engage your interest any further. My opinion of the movie would be lukewarm and shallow (the opinion, that is; OK the movie is no continental chasm.) It's too bad the target fan for this couldn't possibly be suited for this somewhat traditional and historical piece of music.