gweniviere Reviews

American Dreams (2002–2005)

If you can stomach this, I admire you.

[13 October 2002]

Granted, the only reason I watched this show was because my other choices included a "Charmed" rerun and the "Nature" show on PBS, so I think it says a lot that I ended up sitting on the couch staring at the ceiling as a more entertaining alternative to this sappy, regurgitated poke at a feel-good family drama. Having not been alive during the 60's, I must admit that I don't know if perhaps the family on this show is an accurate replica of one from that decade. Of course, you have two parents and about a billion kids who all have their little foibles. Mix this in with so many stereotypes you can taste them, and then throw in nostalgic glimpses of "American Bandstand" every five minutes, and you have this show. The episode I had the misfortune to see was centered around racism. As we know, this was the sole focus of the 60's (Note my sarcasm). However, I am sorry to say, this was only one of the overdone stereotypes lacing this show like cyanide. I see a short and not-so-prosperous future for this show, which, as far as I can tell, is scoring well with an audience of girls ages 11-15, who all seem to eat it up. One can only hope that if it is a success, other producers won't take the hint and start teaching history this way. Think of the destruction...

In short, this show could ruin civilization as we know it (that is my best impression of the writing on this show, however THEY WOULD BE SERIOUS.)

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Visually stunning yet lacking

[7/10 · 16 May 2002]

This movie exactly fits the expectations set by the four preceding Star Wars movies. The acting is mediocre at best, grating against the cheesy script: for example, in a near death situation, Anakin states, as though it were the most serious thing in the world, "I have a bad feeling about this." The graphics are, of course, incredible, and the adrenaline rushes were worth the $5.75 entrance fee, and some of the scenery was fabulous, but if the movie had to stand on its own without being part of the Star Wars mania, it would be barely memorable at all.

Basically, I think that everyone who is the least bit curious as to the continuing saga of our Skywalker heroes should see it, but newcomers to the series shouldn't buy into it simply because of the publicity. The plot moves too quickly for that, and the scenes are so spliced that it's sometimes hard to remember what's happening. However, I rated it seven out of ten stars simply for the effort it must have taken to produce something so large in scale.

Lady Jane (1986)

Very memorable

[10/10 · 9 May 2002]

This is one of those movies where after you turn it off, it sticks with you. The acting is exquisite and the whole movie is executed with sensitivity. After watching it, I felt like I had to know more about Lady Jane Grey's real story. The truth, as the history books tell it, isn't quite as pretty or romantic as the movie made it seem, but other than that it is very historically accurate as most period piece movies go. I would strongly recommend this film (10 stars!) and would see it over again.

Miss Congeniality (2000)

This screenplay was written by men, obviously

[12 February 2002]

I know I am going against the grain when I say that this film was insulting to women and inconsistent, though I laughed once or twice. Like I said in the title, the screenplay was obviously written by men. Why else would they create a character who began the film with self-respect and individuality, then rip it away in the course of the plot, and expect us to be happy about it? I was sorely disappointed in what could have been a very enlightened look at people who dare to be different, but I see I was wrong.

To its credit, I must admit there were a few funny parts, but I still found myself more apt to examine the weave of the couch than laugh my head off.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Definitely "not another teen movie"

[10/10 · 9 February 2002]

I agree with all the reviewers who loved this movie (I just saw it for the second time today) but I don't agree that it should be called a teen movie. This lumps it into the categories of movies like "Bring it On" and "American Pie," which is about as unfair as any prejudice. Though "A Walk" is about teenagers, it is not a teen movie. This movie was made with heart and feeling. I would recommend it to anyone, but I warn any males who are reading this review: in both instances, men were sorely outnumbered, at one point about a ratio of 2 guys for every sixty girls. There were many handkerchiefs soaked when the credits started rolling. Everyone should see this movie.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Definitely memorable!

[10/10 · 27 January 2002]

This movie has been bashed because of its sentimentality, which I think is unfair. Yes, this movie has a heart, but it is not too sappy. I found it touching and very well done, and I gather that was the general consensus as the entire theater erupted into applause in the end. I thought the parts were well acted and the characters were developed, along with a beautiful plot. The music is an extra adornment that adds to the mood. Mandy Moore did surprisingly well, considering that she is a pop star-turned-actress. (Not that I'm prejudiced at all.) I would definitely see this film again, and recommend it to friends.